Atletico Madrid vs Cadiz

Estadio Metropolitano forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ La Liga clash between Atletico Madrid and Cadiz.

Atletico Madrid didn’t miss the chance to build on last weekend’s scintillating 3-1 romping of arch-rivals Real Madrid as goals on either side of halftime fired them to a 2-0 victory at Osasuna in midweek La Liga action. Long-serving manager Diego Simeone can be proud of his side’s response to a 3-0 demolition at Valencia a fortnight ago, but there’s no time for celebration. ‘Los Rojiblancos’ trail table-topping Real by five points at the start of this round, though with a game in hand, they’re in a prime position to haul back that deficit. Beating perennial bottom-half strugglers Cadiz is imperative for Atletico, who have emerged victorious in their last six La Liga H2Hs on home turf, netting a staggering 21 goals in that sequence while conceding just three in return.

Visiting Cadiz will need a miracle to return from Madrid undefeated, a feat they last achieved in a scoreless draw in 1991. But the visitors have shown signs of resilience in their recent league fixtures, claiming a point in a tepid 0-0 stalemate against Rayo Vallecano in midweek after sharing the spoils with Real Betis last weekend (1-1). Sergio Gonzalez’s men have proved a tough nut to crack this season, losing just twice in their opening seven top-flight outings (W2, D3) despite scoring a league second joint-low six goals. Playing on the road remains their Achilles heel, as evidenced by a dismal -5 goal difference across their first three La Liga travels this term (GF1, GA6 – D1, L2).