So serene before, does Atlético tremble before challenging Real?

This Sunday, 4:15 p.m.

The appointment is made for this 225th Madrid derby which opposes an Atlético de Madrid leader since the 8th day of La Liga and the victory on the lawn of Osasuna (1-3), on October 31 at Real Madrid, very dull this season, but still in the league race.

Variation of systems and individual freedoms granted to players are now the watchwords of the game of a metamorphosed Atlético since the start of this 2020-21 financial year.

Diego Simeone seems to have relaxed somewhat his ultra-defensive playing philosophy in recent months in order to focus on the attack.

So much so that the Colchoneros now have the second best in the Spanish league.

With 47 achievements in 24 games, they are only preceded by FC Barcelona and their 55 goals.

With a great start, Atletico de Madrid would then dream of winning in their local championship.

A first since 2014.

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The best time to face Atletico?

But now, Diego Simeone's troupe has been experiencing a little less well for a few weeks.

It must be said that their start to the season was particularly remarkable.

Before being held in check at Levante on February 17 (1-1), the residents of Wanda Metropolitano recorded a record of 44 points in 21 games played.

An average of 2.09 points taken per game.

All while wiping only one setback in the league, by the way, against the neighbor from Madrid (last December 12, 2-0).

Since then, the Colchoneros have lost two consecutive times: at home against Levante (February 20, 0-2) then in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League against the Blues of Thomas Tuchel (0-1).

However, nothing to worry about Diego Simeone: “I trust my players.

The match tonight was not at all terrible and we will be able to make up for it, ”he declared after this second defeat in a row.

Even if since then, Luis Suarez's teammates seem to have rectified the situation by dominating Villarreal on behalf of the 25th day of La Liga on Sunday (0-2), wouldn't this be the ideal time to try to (re) bring down the Colcheneros for Zidane and others?

The opportunity to come back for Real?

For their part, the men of the former French number 10 know an opposite trajectory before going on the lawn of the leader.

By chaining three successes in a row in Huesca (1-2), against Valencia (2-0) and on the lawn of Valladolid (0-1), the Merengues seemed to have found the path to success failing to display a truly face attractive in the field.

But now, this Monday, the teammates of Karim Benzema, sidelined since February 14, received Real Sociedad on behalf of the 25th day of the championship.

A match that will end with a happy draw (1-1), acquired thanks to a realization at the very end of the meeting of Vinicius.

Nothing to be reassured before facing Atletico.

However, Real are at one of the turning points of their season.

With a Karim Benzema announced on the return, Real could jump at the opportunity to return to two lengths of the Colchoneros, even if the latter are one game behind.

On condition of "playing a great game", according to Zidane, against the best defense in Spain (16 goals conceded in 24 days).

“We want to show why we are leaders in this championship,” said Luis Suarez earlier in the week.

The kick-off has already been given.

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