There was a time not so long back when Real Madrid fans used to be glad to know that their team was going to be up against Atletico Madrid and the main reason behind that was Los Blancos’ domination during the Madrid derbies, but, in the last one year or so, things have changed. The Madrid derbies have no longer remained one sided.

Since the arrival of impact players like Diego Costa, Atletico have gone from strength to strength and they have now become a side which possess the capability of beating Real Madrid. They have done that twice in the recent times and they would have the chance to do it again as they take on their local rivals this weekend in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi final.

The match will take place at Santiago Bernabeu. So, Real Madrid would definitely have slight advantage as they would have the crowd right behind them, but, they are not the favourites; that’s for sure. They don’t have as many in form players as Atletico have at this point of time.

However, the availability of Gareth Bale for the game is a positive thing for Real. The Wales international has recently regained complete fitness, but, he hasn’t had much training under his belt. So, whether to get him into the match day squad or not, that would be a big call for the Real management.

Injury has consistently troubled Bale since the time he has made his way to Spain. He could have made a lot more appearances for Real by now if his fitness had been good.
The winger has so far played only 22 matches for the Spanish giants in which he has found the net 10 times.