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Atleti will be full of confidence heading into Thursday's tie. Los Colchoneros arrive in Jeddah after avoiding defeat in each of their last five outings (W4, D1), although Sunday's draw with Real Sociedad will undoubtedly have been a source of frustration.
The most recent contest between these two sides took place at the end of September, when Real Madrid suffered a sobering 5-2 defeat at the Metropolitano. Furthermore, Diego Simeone's men have only lost two of their last ten meetings with their fierce local rivals. Having fallen at the first hurdle in each of their previous two Spanish Super Cup appearances, Atleti will be desperate to progress beyond the semi-final stage this time around.
Real Madrid are currently enjoying a positive run of form, having thrashed Real Betis 5-1 on Sunday afternoon to register a fourth consecutive victory. Los Blancos have won the Spanish Super Cup on a staggering 13 occasions, and reached the final of the competition each time it's been hosted in Saudi Arabia. However, they have never beaten Atleti in this competition without requiring more time than the regulation 90 minutes, so don't be hugely surprised if this one goes the full distance.
Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid predictions
Gonzalo Garcia - Over 1.5 Shots on Target: 6/4 (bet365)
Real Madrid - Most Shots on Target: 1/1 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
An open Derby
The stage is set for an open match with plenty of chances at both ends. Recent meetings between these two sides have produced high-scoring games, notably that 5-2 win for Atletico in their last encounter.
In addition, Real Madrid have scored three or more goals in five of their last seven victories. It therefore seems likely that Xabi Alonso's side will attack from the get-go, even though this is a knockout tie.
The stats also tell us that Atleti are currently keen to play on the front foot. Los Rojiblancos have often found the net early on in recent matches, scoring within the first 20 minutes in three of their last four outings. If they can once again break the deadlock during the opening stages on Thursday evening, it will tempt Real Madrid to quickly flood forward in search of an equaliser. This scenario provides the perfect conditions for a high-scoring contest, as it should also offer Atleti plenty of opportunities to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals: 8/11 (bet65)
Explanation: This bet lands if there are three or more goals scored during the match.
Garcia's chance to shine?
The absence of Kylian Mbappé offers Gonzalo Garcia a chance to take on a more influential role. The talented youngster demonstrated his superb finishing capabilities when netting a hat-trick against Betis on Sunday, as he provided the focal point of Real Madrid's irresistible attack.
Four of his first five senior goals have opened the scoring in matches, highlighting his tendency to attack aggressively from the outset. Therefore, we believe Garcia has every chance of firing at least two shots on target.
Prediction: Gonzalo Garcia - Over 1.5 Shots on Target: 6/4 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Gonzalo Garcia registers two or more shots on target.
Los Blancos boast greater firepower
Real Madrid's attacking proposition has improved considerably in recent weeks. The 5-1 triumph over Betis not only eased the pressure on under-fire boss Xabi Alonso, but also showed they were capable of both creating and taking goalscoring opportunities, something which has been a notable feature of an impressive recent sequence of results.
Meanwhile, Atletico currently preside over a more modest set of attacking stats, having only managed a total of 14 shots on across their last three league games.
If Atleti decide to drop into their familiar defensive shape, Real Madrid are well placed to seize the attacking initiative and therefore regularly call Jan Oblak into action.
Prediction: Real Madrid - Most Shots on Target: 1/1 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Real Madrid register more shots on target than Atletico Madrid during the match.
Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid - Match Result odds
Atletico Madrid: 15/8 (bet365)
Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.