La Liga: Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid both in action as title race intensifies

Atletico Madrid will feel like they are sitting pretty at the summit of La Liga with a six-point cushion over their nearest challengers Barcelona. However, there are likely to be plenty more twists and turns between now and the end of the season. We look ahead to Saturday which sees Atletico travel to Getafe while Real Madrid host strugglers Elche.

Atletico Madrid display battling qualities after Athletic Bilbao win

Atletico Madrid have been churning out results, and they took another step towards the title, albeit with a nervy 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao in midweek. Diego Simeone’s men came from behind to secure all three points. A second-half Luis Suarez penalty took the Uruguayan’s tally for the campaign to 18 and Atletico, as mentioned, are now six points clear at the top.

The victory over Bilbao could be priceless. It was another big three points for Atletico who shared the spoils with crosstown rivals Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium last weekend. Atletico have been formidable this term, conceding just 18 goals, and they have lost only two of their 26 games.

• Atletico Madrid to beat Getafe @19/20 with Casumo
• Total Goals Over 1.5 @16/25 with Casumo

Kieran Trippier return gives Atletico Madrid new dynamic

After serving a 10-match ban for breaching betting rules, Kieran Trippier returned for the Madrid derby last weekend. And it will feel like Simeone has a new signing, as Trippier followed it up by turning in a good performance against Bilbao. The full-back was in sync with Marcos Llorente, and he played a key role in the equaliser. Trippier is making up for lost time.

Getafe need to get back on track after recent slump

For Getafe, they need to get back on the winning trail. After a 3-0 victory over Valencia last month, Getafe lost to Real Valladolid last weekend, and they have won just one of their past five La Liga games. Over the past couple of seasons, Getafe have been in a bit of a downward spiral, and they can’t let this campaign fizzle out.

Getafe v Atletico Madrid: A look back at past encounters

Getafe aren’t safe yet as they are five points clear of the La Liga drop zone with 12 games left to play. And Atletico have proved to be a bogey side for Getafe. There have been 31 meetings between the two teams in Spain’s top flight and Atletico have come out on top 21 times. Getafe’s last La Liga win over Atletico came in 2011.

Real Madrid need to drop tag of draw specialists

Real Madrid have to beat Elche to keep themselves in the title hunt. In their last two outings, Los Blancos have been held by Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid. So far, Real have drawn six games which is the most of any side in the top four. And Zinedine Zidane’s men can’t afford too many more slip-ups if they are going to overhaul Atletico.

However, the upcoming clash against Elche is far from a home banker. Indeed, Real drew 1-1 in the corresponding fixture in December. Luka Modric gave the visitors the lead in the 20th minute before a Fidel Chaves penalty seven minutes after the restart secured a precious point for Elche.

• Real Madrid to beat Elche @1/5 with Casumo
• Karim Benzema to score first for Real Madrid against Elche @13/5 with Casumo

For Elche, their troubles have been clear for all to see. They have scored a meagre 23 goals, and they are just two points above the relegation zone in 17th spot. While they will take confidence from their draw against Real earlier this season, Zidane’s men will be fired up and eager to rectify things.

Benzema and Casemiro can be difference makers for Real Madrid

While there have been question marks over Real Madrid this term, the one constant has been Karim Benzema and Casemiro. The duo have netted 23 goals between them and laid on a combined eight assists. Benzema, in particular, has given Real more cutting edge upfront, and he was on the score sheet against Atletico last weekend.

As previously mentioned, Zidane’s men can ill afford any more slip ups. The games are coming thick and fast. After Elche, Real are in Champions League action against Atalanta where they hold a 1-0 lead against the Serie A outfit from the first leg of their last-16 tie. There could still be a silver lining for Zidane and his charges.