Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

It is one of the passionately contested derby matches in world football, but when the prize is a place in the Copa del Rey final potentially against Barcelona, the stakes are increased further. 

For the first time in many years, Atletico Madrid have climbed above the traditional superpowers of La Liga and sit three points clear atop the league.

This is the first time they have led the division since 1995-1996, per BBC Sport, when they completed a historic domestic double. 

Real Madrid currently sit in third place in Spain, in the uncomfortable position of having to look up to their poorer neighbours. 

When: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. EST (7 p.m. GMT)

Where: Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain.

Watch: Sky Sports 2 / Sky Sports 2 HD / Sky Go

Key Storylines:

With the world witnessing the rare event of a Cristiano Ronaldo sending off, per The Guardian, and Atletico's return of former golden boy Diego on loan until the end of the season, per Sky Sports, the next installment of Madrid grudge matches promises to be the most intriguing in many years.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone has fashioned his team into a hardworking and skillful unit, fit to take on anyone in the country, as their league position proves. 

Real have already lost at home to Atletico this season, being felled 1-0 by Diego Costa's 11th-minute strike.

The King's Cup is an opportunity for Ronaldo, Bale and Co. to put Atletico back in their place as the poor men of the city. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

However, Simeone's men are on a crest of a wave and will not fear a match at the Bernabeu. Their progression has been rapid under the Argentine manager, and they have a real chance of trophy success this year. 

Simeone said of his team and the returning Brazilian international Diego in his pre-match press conference: 

"

We have the players to compete, Diego's arrival will give us what you saw tonight, A player with attacking ability, personality, aggression in his play. Whenever he gets the ball dangerous things can happen.

"

Unfortunately for Simeone, Atletico star striker David Villa looks likely to miss the tie with a thigh injury, per BBC Sport.

Prediction:

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

With the game being over two legs, I expect Real Madrid to try and close the match out quickly and take a substantial lead into the second match. However, Atletico have shocked everyone this season with their consistency, and they will be able to live with their rivals in this game.

It is unlikely that Atletico will be able to repeat their winning success of their last visit, but it is far from impossible.

Prediction: Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid