Football never runs out of stories, but some games come with numbers that demand a closer look. That’s exactly what the newest episode of Numbers Don’t Lie powered by Sofascore brings to the table – breaking down the stats behind one of Spain’s most heated rivalries and the players shaping Europe’s biggest clashes. Watch the full episode here:
Two very different build-ups to the Derby
Nothing beats a heated affair between two neighbours that simply can’t stand each other, and few cities know such affairs better than the Spanish capital. Real Madrid stormed into the derby with a perfect score in LaLiga, winning six games from six, whilst Los Colchoneros only managed to record two wins in that same time span.
After a series of summer signings and money-spending that reminded a lot of their nemesis’ modus operandi, the appetites and ambition grew in the red and white part of the city, and such a sub-standard start of the season kicked off a slight panic, even sparking conversation about the unthinkable: moving on from Cholo after what’s been his worst start to a campaign since joining the club.
Don’t write them off just yet
But, as ever, Cholo Simeone found a way to bite back. They’ve made their former goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, now a Real Madrid legend, pick up the ball from his net as much as five times. Even though Courtois might be used to this by now after facing Barcelona so many times in his career, it’s the first time Atlético did that to him. Actually, it’s the first time since November 1950 that they scored five past their neighbours, putting further emphasis on the very magnitude of this victory. This goes way further than mere three points on the table.
Xabi Alonso’s “project” suddenly looks more like a ticking time bomb, as the priorities were always clear in Madrid: win, no matter what. Results first, beautiful football (maybe) second. What to do with Rodrygo, are they better off without Vini, how to maximize Valverde’s abilities… If Don Carlo couldn’t juggle with so many egos, what chance does Xabi have?
The logical next step for Julián?
Another one of the talking points of the Derbi Madrileno, as seen in this week’s episode of Numbers Don’t Lie powered by Sofascore, aired on CBS Sports Golazo Network, was Atlético’s striker Julián Álvarez and his growing importance and quality of presentations for his team. With six goals in four LaLiga apps in September, the Argentine single-handedly carried Atlético’s hopes of staying within reach of the top. He scores, he links play, he does it all. More than enough to spark a conversation: Lewandowski’s ideal successor? Another all-in campaign that will mysteriously fall through in the closing stages or a true match made in heaven? We’ll have to wait and see if Barcelona can finally put their financial troubles behind them next summer.
A treat for the neutrals in the Champions League
However, before worrying about making ends meet, Barça have an important task much closer on the horizon – a huge Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain this Wednesday.
A matchup worthy of a UCL final that won’t quite feel like it. Both Raphinha and Dembélé will miss out due to injury, leaving the whole clash a bit ‘undercooked’. You can tune in to Numbers Don’t Lie to check just how much impact they have on their teams, as suggested in the show, it’s not only their individual numbers, but the creative output of both teams that suffer without their leaders on the pitch.
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Even without them, the attack-minded approach and flair of both teams promises a clash for the ages, but it does give off a bit of a “we have Champions League at home” vibe.