Spanish football expert Guillem Ballague is tipping Atletico Madrid to progress into the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of neighbours Real Madrid.
The La Liga rivals clash in the second leg of their last-eight tie at the Bernabeu this evening, with the score locked at 0-0 and the hosts without several key players.
Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Marcelo are missing through injury for Carlo Ancelotti's side, and Ballague feels that gives Atletico the advantage.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Balague said: "In the first half of the first leg, Real Madrid had a lot of chances. In fact, they ended up having 18 shots on goal. But again, Atletico Madrid adjusted the team, pressured higher and managed to stop the offensive power of Real Madrid.
"Now, injuries mean that they have to test the bench, and you can say Ancelotti has not trusted some of the guys he's going to put in the team. Injuries have changed completely the analysis of this game in favour of Atletico Madrid.
"At 0-0, everyone was happy, but what has happened since in terms of injuries to Modric and Bale, suspensions to Marcelo, and also Benzema out means, in my eyes, Atletico Madrid are now favourites."
Real beat their capital rivals in last season's final to win their 10th Champions League and first in 12 years, but have not beaten Atletico in any of their seven meetings this term.
Joe Fish
