Miami Beach, Florida (May 15, 2013) -- The Spanish capital will be set ablaze on Friday as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid combat to succeed Barcelona as 2013 Copa del Rey champions. Ahead of this Spanish cup final fixture, LiveSoccerTV.com helps you with live TV listings. Find where to watch Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid live at 15:30 EST / 19:30 GMT / 21:30 CET on Friday, May 17, 2013.
Atletico Madrid’s history against their rich city neighbours is terrible. They have not beaten Los Blancos in 14 years. However, history is on their side ahead of Friday’s showdown. In 1992, the Copa del Rey final was played at the Santiago Bernabeu between the same teams. Atletico beat the odds to upset Real Madrid 2-0. Paulo Futre and Bernd Schuster did the damage with a goal each.
Ahead of the big kick-off, we take you through five different angles related to the 2013 Spanish Cup final. We look into Real Madrid’s defensive line-up, Jose Mourinho’s obligation to win the title, Iker Casillas’ miserable time on the bench, Atletico Madrid’s incredible form in Cup Finals during the past three years, and the influence of their two super strikers – Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa. To cap it off, our preview concludes with hyped up quotes and a final prediction.
Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid’s defensive line
Sergio Ramos has been out of action since April 30 when he came inches away from leading Real Madrid to a gargantuan comeback against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. The Spanish defender scored a late goal in that match but ended the night on the losing side with as much pain on his body as in his heart.
The La Liga title has been all but confirmed for quite sometime, but a mid-week slip up from Real Madrid could finally confirm what many have known, or at least believed.
Although Tito Vilanova's side could already be crowned champions before their next match against Atletico Madrid, what started off looking like a brilliant campaign for the Blaugrana has slowly lost some of is bright spots.
From their first 18 matches, Barcelona looked destined for yet another record breaking season, if that was even possible, after what they had already accomplished with Pep Guardiola at the helm. The transition to Vilanova did not appear to cause any problems for the Catalans as they kicked off at a remarkable pace.
Team news and analysis
Three players are unavailable for this short trip: Marcelo, Essien and Arbeloa (unless he makes a last-minute recovery) will not take part in the Madrid derby. The hosts, meanwhile, have no injury concern apart from Arda Turan who remains doubtful.
Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho cannot afford to risk the health of his key players – most of whom underperformed against Borussia Dortmund and must sacrifice themselves next Tuesday to stand a chance of overturning the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.
Radamel Falcao scored in the 84th minute which sparked some hope of the visitors to turn the tie in their favour. Atletico were given a further advantage when Rubin captain César Navas was sent off in the dying moments, but they were not able to materialise on it and were knocked out of the tournament.
Miami Beach, Florida - 29 January 2013 -- The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals features Real Madrid vs Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spain’s capital. El Clasico, the first of 2013, kicks-off on Wednesday, January 30th at 3:00PM EST (9:00PM local time). The second semi-final features Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla to be played on January 31st at 4:00PM EST (10:00PM local time).
Go to LiveSoccerTV.com’s Real Madrid vs Barcelona 30/01/13 page.
Go to LiveSoccerTV.com’s Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla 31/01/13 page.
beIN SPORT will provide audiences with pre-match as well as post-match analysis on its in-house program, ‘The Express’. The return fixtures, scheduled to take place on February 26th and 27th (times TBA), will also air exclusively on beIN SPORT.
Notice: If you want to know where to watch the second leg of El Clasico at the Camp Nou, go to Live Soccer TV's Barcelona vs Real Madrid 26 February 2013 page.
1. Will Barcelona bid for Cortouis?Alexis Sanchez has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp to Italian champions Juventus. Thibaut Cortouis, currently on loan to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, has seemingly emerged as a Barcelona target. Barcelona is apparently also interested in Adel Taarabt of QPR.
Bayern…
Real Madrid to remain longer behind city rivals Atletico… and Barcelona?
Before the start of the 2012/13 Spanish Primera Divison campaign, it was clear that Real Madrid would have a hard time defending their crown. Hitting 100 points last term was not a miracle – it was the result of intense work out, physically like mentally.
On their way to glory, they even claimed their first ever league victory at the Camp Nou since 2007. Many believe that if the Spanish giants lifted their 32nd La Liga trophy, it is because Barcelona were not at their best last term. While this could be a debate for another day, the fact remains that Real Madrid won the 2011/12 league title and are now struggling to defend it.
In Part 1 of 4 pieces, we recall Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or triumph, Zambia’s historic Africa Cup of Nations success, Borussia Dortmund’s domestic double, Atletico Madrid’s great 2011/12 season and Manchester City’s nail-biting finish in the English Premier League.
1. Lionel Messi wins third straight FIFA Ballon d’Or
January 9, 2012 – La Pulga, at only 24 years of age, went on to win his third Ballon d’Or award on the trot. The previous year, he beat 2010 FIFA World Cup winners and Barcelona team mates Xavi and Andres Iniesta to clinch the prize.
Now the circumstances have changed and Atletico are competiting with Barcelona for the title. With six points behind the league leaders, this is a must win game for the Los Colchoneros.
Team news
Cesc Fabregas was substituted early in the first half for Alexsis Sanchez, after the Spainiard complained of a thigh injury and he may not play until next year.
Atleti player Cristian Rodriguez also will not take part in this fixture.
The Spanish giants entered the game 14 points behind rampant league leaders Barcelona. The pressure to win was therefore intense but Cristiano Ronaldo's opener in the 16th minute eased matters for the hosts.
In the second period, the iconic Portuguese hit the woodwork twice - first through another free-kick and then from a tight angle shot. Man-of-the-match Cristiano Ronaldo also created Real Madrid's second goal, scored by Mesut Ozil inside the 65th minute.
A pair of goals was enough for Los Blancos to dismantle their city rivals, Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid closed the gap against their neighbours to five points. At the Camp Nou, Barcelona trounced Athletic Bilbao 5-1 with a double from 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or nominee Lionel Messi.
The highlight of the night however remains Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful long-range free-kick against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Watch the video here:
It is widely believed that Radamel Falcao is unlucky to be part of the current superstar generation dominated by the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. El Tigre is considered by many as the world’s best number 9 at the moment.
Statistics and medals speak for themselves. He single-handedly led FC Porto and Atletico Madrid to UEFA Europa League glory with a flurry of goals in the last two seasons. He demolished Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup with a hat-trick and he is not yet finished.
In spite of all these efforts and feats, Radamel Falcao did not make the three-man shortlist for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or award which was announced on Thursday. Euro 2012 champion Andres Iniesta joined La Pulga and CR7 to complete the line-up.
Analysis
Barcelona fans are hoping for a draw at the Santiago Bernabeu on Matchday 14 of the Spanish Primera Division. A point apiece for Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid would suit the Catalans just fine.
In midweek, Real Madrid and Atletico both qualified for the Round of 16 in the 2012/13 Spanish Copa del Rey. These two clubs’ ambition in the cup is the same: to snatch the title away from current holders Barcelona.
In the league, things are slightly different. The poor side of the Spanish capital is craving to replace Los Blancos in terms of supremacy. It may take years, a decade or a century for that to happen. Perhaps, it may even never ever happen. In any case, as long as it does not hurt to hope, Atletico Madrid will enter the Santiago Bernabeu battlefield with a huge amount of well-earned confidence to achieve something great.
One of the fiercest and longest-running rivalries in soccer, REAL MADRID VS. ATLÉTICO MADRID, comes to beIN SPORT this Saturday at 4 p.m. ET live as part of the network’s exclusive, comprehensive coverage of the Spanish La Liga season.
The century-old cross-town rivalry between Los Merengues and Los Colchoneros always results in an intense match that can’t be missed.
Where:
beIN SPORT can currently be found on:
Pablo Hernandez left this summer to Swansea, joining the long list of players who left the debt-ridden club looking for brighter prospects. Winger Jonathan Viera was brought as cover but he is still learning the ropes of the Spanish premier liga.
Having already faced top teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia can't blame themselves for finding themselves at the wrong end of the league table. The last time Valencia met Atletico Madrid on the field was in a Europa League semi-final, they lost both the legs by a 5-2 aggregate. However, it is much different in the league. Atleti haven't won against Los Che in the last seasons.
Analysis
Real Jaen are on an unsteady path with one loss and one draw in between three wins during the month of October. They have not scored a single goal on Atletico Madrid’s turf in the 21st century, losing 5-0 and 2-0 in 2001. However, they can find confidence in their home record against Los Blancos’ neighbours. They hosted them twice at the Nuevo Estadio de la Victoria in the past and triumphed 1-0 at each occasion.
A repeat of this score line will create huge noise in the Spanish media nowadays. Atletico Madrid are the reigning UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup champions. Presently, they share the top spot in La Liga with FC Barcelona thanks to an unbeaten run that reads eight wins and one draw in nine matches.
Champions League winners Chelsesa are on fire with three wins out of three in the English Premier League this season. Roberto Di Matteo and his men are ready to take the world by storm again but can they triumph over Spain’s Atletico Madrid?
Football fans are set to witness a terrific showdown on Friday as the Stade Louis II will host the UEFA Super Cup for the 14th year in a row. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid each count one UEFA Super Cup trophy in their cabinet.
Click here to see where to watch Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid live on August 31, 2012 and to get post-match video highlights of this UEFA Super Cup 2012 fixture.
Analysis
Atletico Madrid are not to be seen as underdogs. They won the UEFA Europa League in total fashion, demolishing Spanish rivals Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the final. Coincidentally, Atletico enter Friday’s encounter fresh from another thumping defeat of Bilbao.
Over the weekend, Real Madrid’s local rivals sent a loud warning to UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea. Atletico Madrid brushed Athletic Bilbao aside with four goals, three of which came from Radamel Falcao.
Pichichi 2012 titleholder Lionel Messi affirmed his authority with a fine display on the opening weekend of La Liga. With his brace, La Pulga quickly ended the contest for visitors Real Sociedad.
Gonzalo Castro had cancelled out Carles Puyol’s opener but goals from Messi in the 11th and 16th minutes inspired Barcelona to a 5-1 win on the night. Thanks to his man-of-the-match performance against Sociedad, Lionel Messi joined J. Molina, M.S. Jose and T. Hemed at the top of the La Liga goal scorers chart.
50 - Lionel Messi
He was phenomenal last season and broke several records. The Argentine hit an out-of-this-world number of strikes. With half a century of goals in La Liga, La Pulga stole the Pichichi award away from 2011 winner Cristiano Ronaldo in absolute fashion.
46 - Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese icon was pushed to the limit. Even 46 goals could not help him defend his prize. In the highlight of his outstanding goal run, CR7 scored El Clasico’s match winner at the Camp Nou as Real Madrid took a giant step towards their 32nd Spanish Primera Division title. Was that goal alone more precious than the Pichichi award?