"Starting with Atletico, while Diego Simeone's men might have got December underway with consecutive La Liga defeats, it appears that was just a minor blip for Los Rojiblancos. Despite opening the New Year with a 1-1 stalemate away at Real Sociedad last weekend, they have won each of their other four appearances across all competitions and have also suffered just a pair of domestic defeats since the opening weekend of the 2025/26 campaign."
"Despite travelling to the Middle East on Thursday night pencilled in as an underdog contender, Atletico will certainly be excited by a stellar record agains their arch-rivals. Storming their way to a sensational 5-2 romp when they last met Los Blancos on September 27th, Simeone's side have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven meetings across all fronts."
"Atletico Madrid Team News Once again missing out away at Real Sociedad over the weekend, Atletico Madrid will be unable to call upon former Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet here. However, Simeone's camp are hopeful that Argentinian international Nicolas Gonzalez should be able to play some part in Saudi Arabia. Notching four goals in as many appearances across all competitions, French superstar Antoine Griezmann could be handed a full recall."
Both teams to score is the betting verdict with best odds 2/3 at Luckster. Atletico recovered from December setbacks, winning four of five post-New Year matches and suffering only two domestic defeats since the season start. Atletico drew 1-1 at Real Sociedad but maintain strong recent form and a dominant head-to-head record that includes a 5-2 victory on September 27th. Clement Lenglet is unavailable, Nicolas Gonzalez is hopeful to feature, Antoine Griezmann has four goals in four appearances and could return to the XI, and Julian Alvarez will spearhead the attack. Xabi Alonso faced pressure but steadied Real Madrid and oversaw a thumping 5-1 home victory to open the New Year.
Read at Soccer News
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