Makelele Predicts 3-2 Real Madrid Win Over Atletico in Derby
Real Madrid have been urged to attack Atletico Madrid from the first whistle in Sunday’s derby at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with Claude Makelele predicting a 3-2 away win for Los Blancos.
Derby pressure builds in Madrid
The capital rivals meet with major points at stake near the top of the table. Barcelona are six points clear of Real Madrid, while Atletico sit only two points behind their city opponents.
That leaves little room for error. A Real victory would cut Barcelona’s advantage and protect their position ahead of Atletico, while defeat would damage their title pursuit and hand Simeone’s side a significant boost.
- Barcelona lead Real Madrid by six points.
- Atletico are two points behind Real Madrid.
- The match will be played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday.
- Makelele has forecast a 3-2 Real Madrid victory.
Makelele calls for attacking selection
Makelele believes Real Madrid cannot approach the match cautiously. The former midfielder wants an assertive side packed with forward-thinking players, capable of controlling the contest rather than dropping into a reactive defensive shape.
His message is that Madrid must impose themselves for the full match. Sitting back against elite opposition, he warned, would invite pressure and expose the team to problems.
“They need to dominate across the 90 minutes and be more attacking than defensive,” Makelele said, adding that the team must be bold enough to select attacking personnel.
Late rescues cannot be the plan
Steve McManaman and Makelele also pointed to a recurring concern: Real Madrid have too often produced uneven performances, with control in one half followed by a loss of grip in the other.
Carlos Espi has delivered two stoppage-time winners this season, most recently with a late decisive moment against Elche. But McManaman warned that depending on individual interventions at the end of games is a dangerous approach for a derby away to Atletico.
“At this level, one good half is not enough,” McManaman said. “Late moments are risky against Atletico.”
What happens next
Real Madrid travel across the city needing a statement display, not merely another escape. Makelele still expects their individual attacking quality to decide a frantic contest, but the demand is clear: sustain authority, take risks in possession and leave the Metropolitano with three points.
