When Real Madrid appointed Rafael Benitez as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor back in June, fans of the Liga BBVA giants were skeptical as to how their favorite team would fare under the reign of the Spanish manager.
However, the former Napoli manager, despite a shaky start in the International Champions Cup 2015, has proved he’s got what it takes to lead Les Merengues, as the club are yet to taste defeat under the 55-year-old boss.
Real Madrid with Benitez: Games: 8 Wins: 6 Draws: 2 Losses: 0 Clean Sheets: 7 Goals For: 20 Goals Against: 1 Goal Difference: +19
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) September 30, 2015
This unbeaten streak, though, will come under heavy threat this Sunday, with Los Blancos set to lock horns with city rivals Atletico in the feisty Madrid derby.
Los Rojiblancos manager Diego Simeone, unlike his Real Madrid counterpart, has already seen his side fall to two defeats in the Spanish Primera Division, and a shock loss in the Champions League, thus will be seeking grab all three points in the Vicente Calderon Stadium affair.
This raises the question: can the Argentine boss end Benitez’s unbeaten run at Real Madrid?
Benitez has a few things working in his favor, which would have many tip him for the win this Sunday. First is that of Portuguese attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is the Champions League all-time leading scorer, and Real Madrid’s in La Liga only, drew level with Raul goalscoring record in all competitions for Los Blancos with his brace against Malmo.
The 30-year-old also boasts a wonderful goalscoring record against Atletico, scoring 15 goals past the Rojiblancos, eight of which has come in their last seven meetings, 7 of which were scored at Atletico’s home ground.
Furthermore, Rafa looks to welcome Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos back to the squad, with the later playing a key role in the club’s rock-solid back line which has only conceded 1 goal in 8 matches in all competitions. To be fair to Ramos, that sole goal came in the Spanish center-back’s absence.
The 10-time Champions League winners are the more successful side out of the two clubs, however, recent history has shown that dominance in Madrid has shifted towards Simeone’s crew.
Real Madrid’s last five visits to Atletico in all competitions have produced zero wins for Les Merengues, with the Colchoneros winning 3 and drawing 2. If Los Blancos fail to win this time around as well, that will equal their worst winless streak at the Vicente Calderon.
Last Time Real Madrid won the League match against Atletico: April 27, 2013 Atletico 1-2 Madrid 4' Falcao 13' Juanfran (og) 63' Di Maria
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) October 3, 2015
Atletico have also kept clean sheets in their last 4 home encounters with their neighbors, Ronaldo being the last player to score in Sunday’s venue back in March 2014.
3. Ronaldo was the last REAL player to score away to Atleti, scoring the 2nd of his side's goals in the 2-2 draw in the league in 2013-14.
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) October 3, 2015
It has been a staggering two years and five months since Real Madrid last recorded a win away to Atletico, but the weekend trip could see that winless streak come to an end. It may very well also witness the end of Benitez’s unbeaten run.
DID YOU KNOW?
Rafael Benitez has crossed paths with Atletico Madrid 7 times in La Liga, winning three, losing three, and drawing once.
His last run-in with Los Rojiblancos ended in defeat for the Spanish tactician, a loss in the UEFA Super Cup whilst coaching Inter Milan.
