Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
Copa del Rey
Fourth Round
Thursday
18th January 2024
Wanda Metropolitano
The most comprehensive preview, analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Fourth Round fixture between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Preview
Atletico Madrid form analysis
Colchoneros come into the new year with just one win from their last five league matches, falling off the pace in the title race. Their most recent result was a thrilling 4-3 defeat away to overachieving Girona on New Year’s Day. With Alvaro Morata netting a second half hat-trick in vain after the hosts raced into an early 3-1 lead. That loss came on the back of an uninspired 1-0 home victory over struggling Sevilla thanks to a Marco Llorente winner early in the second half.
Prior to Christmas, Atletico suffered disappointing back-to-back defeats – 2-0 at home to resurgent Athletic Bilbao before being involved in a six goal thriller at home to mid-table Getafe. Somehow letting slip a 3-1 lead as Borja Mayoral completed his brace with a last minute equalizing penalty. On the whole, for all their attacking talent Atletico remain prone to defensive lapses and dropping intensity levels in games. Leading to dropped points from winning positions. If Diego Simeone cannot address these issues quickly, their La Liga title defense may already be beyond repair.
Real Madrid form analysis
Real Madrid come into the new year sitting level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga after an excellent festive period. Their most recent result was a hard fought 1-0 home victory over struggling Mallorca courtesy of an Antonio Rudiger header. Enough to seal the three points despite an unconvincing overall display.
That win built on an emphatic 4-1 home thrashing of top four challengers Villarreal just before Christmas. Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and substitute Brahim Diaz all found the net in a ruthless attacking performance. Sandwiched in between was a gritty 1-0 away win at relegation threatened Alaves sealed by a last minute Lucas Vasquez strike. Madrid’s only dropped points recently came in a tight 1-1 draw at home to Champions League chasing Real Betis as Aitor Ruibal struck late to cancel out Bellingham’s second half opener. On the whole, Carlo Ancelotti has added steel to a ruthless attack making Los Blancos serious title contenders again this term.
