The first Madrid derby of the season will take place on Sunday evening when Atlético de Madrid host Real Madrid in La Liga.
Both teams are unbeaten in the Spanish first division this season despite being a little far from the winning machine of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. Atlético are two points behind their city rivals after four wins and three draws in seven outings, but will leapfrog them with victory at the Metropolitano.
Atlético have been in impressive form after enjoying a strong summer spell, with four wins in their last five games. While they may have one eye on a Champions League clash with Benfica in midweek, Sunday’s game is undoubtedly the top priority for Diego Simeone’s side.
Real Madrid have won their last five games but have found life a bit difficult at times. Their recent 3-2 win against Deportivo Alavés almost saw them surrender a three-goal lead, while their first Champions League win over Stuttgart was not convincing enough.
here it is 90 minutes guide to a delicious derby day clash in Spain.
Head-to-head record between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Atlético de Madrid |
Real Madrid |
|---|---|
|
Celta Vigo 0-1 Atletico Madrid – 26/09/24 |
Real Madrid 3-2 Alaves – 24/09/24 |
|
Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Atletico Madrid – 22/09/24 |
Real Madrid 4-1 Espanyol – 21/09/24 |
|
Atlético de Madrid 2-1 RB Leipzig – 19/09/24 |
Real Madrid – Stuttgart 3-1 – 17/09/24 |
|
Atlético Madrid 3-0 Valencia – 15/09/24 |
Real Sociedad 0-2 Real Madrid – 14/09/24 |
|
Athletic Club 0-1 Atlético de Madrid – 31/08/24 |
Real Madrid 2-0 Real Betis – 09/01/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live broadcast |
|---|---|
|
united kingdom |
ITV 4, ITVX, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV |
|
united states |
fuboTV, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, ESPN App |
|
canada |
TSN+ |
athletic he has three absentees due to the visit of his neighbors, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Pablo Barrios and Thomas Lemar. Otherwise, manager Simeone has a wealth of options to choose from, especially in the attacking third.
Julian Alvarez, who scored a late goal against Celta Vigo last time out, will accompany Antoine Griezmann in charge in his 42nd game against Real Madrid. Alexander Sorloth will be on the bench, meaning he won’t get a chance to repeat his four-goal display from last season against Los Blancos.
Expected line-up of Atlético de Madrid against Real Madrid (3-5-2): Clouds; Le Normand, Gimenez, Reinildo; Llorente, De Paul Koke, Gallagher, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez.
Kylian Mbappe misses the chance to feature in his first Madrid derby after picking up a leg injury in the 3-2 win over Alavés. The Frenchman is expected to be sidelined for several weeks and could be replaced by the young Brazilian Endrick.
Elsewhere, David Alaba, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz are still missing, but Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal are back in the squad. The latter could start, but Camavinga is likely to only make the bench if he does.
Expected line-up of Real Madrid against Atlético de Madrid (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
The Madrid derby is always difficult to call, especially when both teams are unbeaten this season. They tend to be low-scoring affairs – with another corker thrown in for good measure – and two of the last five meetings have finished 1-1.
Mbappe is a big miss for Real Madrid and may force Carlo Ancelotti to use the 4-3-1-2 system that was perfected last season. Los Blancos have struggled a bit on the road this season and Atletico’s stubborn defense could frustrate them.
