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.
Behind Real Madrid, Atletico make the most amount of shots per game in the league. They are on a run of 12 consecutive victories in all competitions. The only time they dropped points was against Levante on the opening day of the 2012/13 Spanish Primera Division. In fact, achievements speak for themselves.
Coach Diego Simeone has called on a number of Atletico B players ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey Fourth Round fixture away to Real Jaen. The biggest omission in the match has to be Atletico Madrid’s top scorer, Radamel Falco, who is third behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Pichichi race.
Somehow, Diego Simeone’s decision to rest the Colombian striker adds interest. Atleti will be glad to put Real Jaen to bed before the second leg of the tie. How will they take on the challenge without their best player?
Head-to-head record (all in the Liga Adelante)
September 17, 2000: Jaen 1-0 Atletico Madrid
February 11, 2001: Atletico Madrid 5-0 Jaen
August 25, 2001: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Jaen
January 13, 2002: Jaen 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Real Jaen’s last five matches
October 7, 2012: Jaen 3-1 Lucena (Segunda B)
October 13, 2012: Atletico Sanluqueno 1-0 Jaen (Segunda B)
October 17, 2012: Noja 0-1 Jaen (Spanish Copa del Rey)
October 21, 2012: Jaen 2-2 CD Loja (Segunda B)
October 28, 2012: Linense 0-1 Jaen (Segunda B)
Atletico Madrid’s last five matches
October 4, 2012: Atletico Madrid 1-0 V. Plzenn (UEFA Europa League)
October 7, 2012: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Malaga (La Liga)
October 21, 2012: Real Sociedad 0-1 Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
October 25, 2012: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Academica (UEFA Europa League)
October 28, 2012: Atletico Madrid 3-1 Osasuna (La Liga)
Prediction
Real Jaen can call themselves lucky as Radamel Falcao, also known as El Tigre, will not play. The striker is a beast but he will be rested for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey encounter.
Result: Jaen 1-2 Atletico Madrid
