after giving it to barça last sunday, i fully expect atletico to pull their pants down this weekend and we could see the lead down to just 1 point.

Agreed. Lightning can't possibly strike twice for Atletico. The new Ramos-inspired Terminator Real will obliterate them.

1-0? With that defence

The only possible way for Atléti to win is if it's another crazy game, a 4-3 or something, Real are too disciplined for that to happen - though they do have one or two defensive injury concerns.

As has been proven over the last couple of seasons whether we take the lead in the first 30 seconds, or equalise in stoppage time, we still find a way to balls it up against them.

Hope so. It's still a very young side and their experiences this year will stand them all in good stead. Need some support for Fernando Llorente though. And Javi Martinez is quality.

Your biggest problem is keeping hold of Llorente. With Exteberria in the twilight, someone who can score goals consistently is the difference between a solid showing and a relegation dogfight. We've all seen the quality in midfield, but Llorente is the key man. However, an 8 million euro bid here or there could see him offski.

Would hope that 8 million wouldn't be enough to tempt the management, but they may have no choice in the matter.

haven't seen or heard any definite clubs linked with him. in spain you're ok till one or two clubs or constantly linked with the player. that's usually the signal for an imminent move.

So 1-0 to Atleti at half time in the Bernabeu, time for the "in what way will they feck it up" sweepstake.

who scored?
just waiting for the barça-athletic 2nd half to kick off. 2-0 to barcelona so far.
just watched girona draw... again! 1-1 away at rayo vallecano, decent game

Forlan, superb team goal started on the edge of our own box.

Well worth the lead to be honest, could have had another (Aguero missed a decent chance), Real have threatened but created nothing clear cut, I will regret saying this but Atleti are defending with a previously unseen discipline.