It's not 20th time lucky for Atletico Madrid
Losing streaks are always difficult to overcome but losing streaks in derby matches are doubly as daunting. Further evidence of that theory was provided last night as Lazio, despite comfortably outplaying Roma, somehow lost to their rivals for the fourth time in succession.
That run of defeats is nothing though compared to the one that Atletico Madrid are suffering in el Derbi madrileno, having been beaten in seven of their last eight encounters with Real Madrid and gone 19 without a victory. Will the title chasers make it 20? It's a [1.8] prospect on Betfair.
In terms of momentum, Atletico Madrid head into the latest showdown on more of a high than their illustrious neighbours even though they have a 3-1 aggregate deficit to overhaul having ended their four-game stretch without a win by seeing off Real Mallorca 3-0, while Real Madrid were held in Almeria to put pressure on Jose Mourinho.
As we mentioned on Wednesday, the Special One is involved in a heated internal dispute regarding the club's unwillingness to buy him a new striker, yet he will shrug that off to focus on tonight's clash and is determined to bring the Copa del Rey to the Bernabeu for the first time since 1992-93.
The Portuguese tactician refuses to devalue domestic cup competitions and fielded a very strong side in the initial Atletico tie. In his first season at Chelsea, he beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup, in his first at Inter, he saw off Genoa and Roma in the Coppa Italia.
Mourinho was furious when his team lost 2-0 at Levante in the last round having assumed an 8-0 aggregate lead so won't accept any slacking this evening. Back the visitors to maintain their derby dominance at [1.8] and consider the 2-1 ([9.8]) and 3-2 ([24.0]) away wins for correct score punts.
Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
Kick-off: 9pm
Live on Sky Sport 2
Will Atletico break the hoodoo? They are [4.5] to win and [13.0] to qualify...
Published: 20 Jan 2011
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