Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Predictions & Match Preview

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid predictions and match preview for Thursday’s Copa del Rey Quarter Final. Read on for analysis ahead of this big Madrid derby at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Preview

The Madrid derby tops a mouthwatering Copa del Rey Quarter-Final bill with the two giants from the capital meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu. Both sides could do with a big cup win to boost morale, although unquestionably the need is greater for the visitors.

Real Madrid are not known for taking the Copa del Rey too seriously and unsurprisingly their recent record hasn’t been great as a result. They’ve only made the last four once since Gareth Bale’s iconic late Clasico goal won the 2014 Final. They looked on course for another early exit last week, trailing Villarreal 2-0 at the break at the Ceramica. However a fine comeback after the break helped turn the tie around with Dani Ceballos ultimately netting an 86th minute winner.

There is a sense that Real Madrid are serious about the Copa with a strong XI named last week while both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were rested in a tough weekend league game in Bilbao which Los Blancos still managed to win 2-0. Both should return here for this derby clash as Carlo Ancelotti’s side look to effectively end their rivals’ season in late January.

There is potentially a touch of symmetry about this game in that Atleti’s rise under Diego Simeone to truly challenge the “big two” really got going with a Copa del Rey Final win over Real Madrid on this ground a decade ago. European elimination and their lowly standing in LaLiga means this is the last shot at a trophy for Atleti in what may be Cholo’s last season in charge.

That’s a matter for another day, although talk of the end of a cycle in the red and white half of Madrid will really ramp up should they lose here. Atletico Madrid cross the Spanish capital following a bit of a lift thanks to an impressive 3-0 win over Real Valladolid at the weekend. It was one of their most convincing showings of the season although they’ve struggled to find any real consistency and it’s going to be a big ask for them to advance here.

Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid (After Extra Time)

Atletico Madrid will throw everything at this but Carlo Ancelotti’s team selection at Villarreal last week suggests he also means business in the Copa del Rey this term. It should be a feisty game and with neither side absolutely convincing right now, it’s not a foregone conclusion that Real Madrid boss things but they invariably find a way on big nights such as this and we could see another late show from Los Blancos this Thursday.

PLEASE NOTE – Our Copa del Rey predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.