Real Madrid Confidencial Maldini's Prediction for the Champions Derby, Who Is the Favorite to Advance
The analyst surprises everyone by talking about Real Madrid – Atlético and shares his prediction
The Derby Between Real Madrid and Atlético is attracting all the attention for being the most appealing round of 16 tie. Without a doubt, these will be two evenly matched and thrilling games in this Champions League. It's very difficult to know which of the two teams is the favorite.
For many, it's Atlético as they arrive in better form for the first leg. For others, Real Madrid shouldn't be underestimated as they transform when they hear the Champions League anthem. This Tuesday, we'll have the first clash, but everything will be decided at the Metropolitano.
With these prospects, Maldini has posted his usual preview of the Bernabéu clash on his social media. He pointed out that "Real Madrid arrives quite depleted for this match after losing to Betis. They're coming in very affected, but logically this is the Champions League, and it's a different story."
The analyst recalled that in this competition, the colchoneros have always been eliminated by the merengues. "The feeling Atlético will have is if they don't eliminate them now, when will they?" he noted. Due to the merengues' absences and because the return leg is at the Metropolitano.
Maldini Takes a Stand and Sees Real Madrid as the Favorite to Advance
It's true that Ceballos isn't there as he's injured and has been a key piece in recent months. Fede Valverde is also coming in affected to the match and might not even play. These are factors to consider thinking about the first leg, but also the return leg.
Despite this, Maldini still sees Real Madrid as the favorite to advance to the quarterfinals. He gives Ancelotti's team a 55 percent chance compared to 45 percent for the colchoneros. The tournament's history and the white club seem to weigh heavily for the analyst.
As we say, almost everyone is considering the rojiblancos as favorites this time. But many also thought Manchester City was going to knock out Real Madrid. And at no point were Pep Guardiola's team close to achieving it.
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