Atletico Madrid-Mallorca

By: Jeremy | October 22nd, 2009

Aduriz

A big saturday game awaits as Mallorca travel to Madrid to play an Atletico team that for many reasons has gotten off to a slow start and finds themselves near the bottom of La Liga with only 6 points from 7 matches. Meanwhile Mallorca is near the top of the standings, alone in 5th, with 13 points.

Atletico is a strange bunch and it may be we are catching them at the best possible time. They have so much talent and always seem to be on the verge of making Real Madrid and Barca take serious notice of them, yet they manage to finish just a step behind and do nothing in Europe. Their midweek asswhipping by Chelsea may be another sign that this season is going to be just like the rest.

Atletico has one of my favorite players in Diego Forlan, Europes leading scorer last year. Despite his failures and exit from Manchester United, he has found a home in Madrid and seems very comfortable.

We also get to see Jurado for the first time this year as he has returned home to his club after a great year on loan with us. He is a prime example of why going out on loan to a smaller club can do wonders for a players career. He is now a first teamer with Madrid and is getting Champions League experience. He will always be appreciated in Mallorca and look for him to show much respect when he likely knocks in a goal or two this weekend. With other players such as Kun Aguero and Maxi Rodrigues, their slow start has to be somewhat curious.

Mallorca is doing what one would expect from Madrid which is win most of the games against bottom level teams. If Madrid had not been buried by Malaga and Osasuna, they would be right where we are. The extra games of the Champions League has not helped them either.

Mallorca comes in flying high after beating a tough Getafe squad at home 3-1. While as expected Mallorca will likely lose to the good teams on the road, they will beat the bad teams, especially at home, and keep the point total up all season.

Mallorca has seen the emergence of Aritz Aduriz who is showing even more signs of the player he can be that caused him to be sold by Bilbao for a nice price. Although Valero has also returned to help him and has made a huge difference Aduriz is getting the goals at the right time. He is one of the leading scorers in La Liga so far in the short season.

This could be a great game and it will challenge Mallorca to show they are serious about staying in the European spots. A win against Atletico on the road will vault them in to more media attention.

While Madrid has started slowly and looked bad recently in the Champions League and on the road to Osasuna, this is still a good team. They will want to show the home fans they are still worth taking seriously in LaLiga this year.

If recent history is relevant, then Mallorca cannot expect to go on the road and beat Atletico. They might feel confident after last weeks match but the Sporting road game has to be somehing they think about.

Despite Atleticos goal drought, each team should play some wide open soccer and I expect a lot of scoring. The biggest question is whether we can play a full 90 and not complacent should be get a lead.

As much as I think Mallorca can come to Madrid and beat Atletico because of their slow start and midweek Champions League game flame out, Mallorcas road record makes this game tough. It will be a fun game to watch, but Atletico at home will be just a bit too much.

Prediction Atletico 2-1 Mallorca.

Prediction record to date: 4-3