Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

Match preview for Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

The Madrid derby returns on Saturday evening as Atletico Madrid welcome league leaders Real Madrid to the Metropolitano.

Los Blancos arrive looking to make it seven wins from seven in La Liga this season, having already stormed clear at the summit with 18 points.

Atletico, meanwhile, sit in mid-table after an inconsistent opening, collecting just nine points from their first six matches.

Atletico edged a dramatic midweek clash with Rayo Vallecano, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 victory thanks to a late Julian Alvarez hat-trick.

That result lifted Diego Simeone’s side to ninth in the standings but they remain nine points behind their city rivals.

Defensive solidity – usually the bedrock of Simeone’s success – has been lacking this season. Atleti have conceded seven goals in six league games, and three more in their Champions League defeat to Liverpool, leaving questions about their resilience ahead of facing Real’s electric attack led by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

For Real Madrid, everything has clicked so far under Xabi Alonso. They have swept aside Osasuna, Oviedo, Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Levante in the league, while also winning their Champions League opener against Marseille.

Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “It’s a great atmosphere; derbies are special. Even in the days leading up to the match, you can feel it in the city and the community.

“When you know what’s at stake, it motivates you even more; you have the desire to do well. We’re expecting a strong atmosphere.

“It’s different going to the Metropolitano with Real Madrid. Because of the rivalry. It’s beautiful, and I hope we can enjoy it tomorrow as well.

“The standings don’t mean much, but the game will be tough. We’ll have to work hard.”

Team news for Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

Atletico welcomed Alex Baena back to the squad in midweek following surgery and a muscle problem, though he is not expected to start.

Injuries continue to rule out Jose Gimenez, Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada. Alexander Sorloth is available again after suspension and should partner Alvarez in attack.

Conor Gallagher may also get the nod out wide to bring extra energy.

For Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger remain sidelined. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Aurelien Tchouameni are in line to return to the XI.

Jude Bellingham, recently back from shoulder surgery, may be eased in from the bench once more, leaving Arda Guler to keep his place behind Mbappe.

Vinicius Junior and youngster Franco Mastantuono are also expected to start in attack.

Expected line-ups for Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher; Alvarez, Sorloth

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe

How to watch Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: TV channel, online stream

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid will kick-off at 3:15pm on Saturday, with the match available to watch on Premier Sports of LaLiga TV.

The stats for Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

Atletico are unbeaten in their last 5 La Liga derbies against Real (W1 D4)
The last 3 league meetings have all finished 1-1
Real Madrid have only beaten Atletico twice away in La Liga since 2016
Atletico have conceded 7 goals in their opening 6 league matches this season
Real Madrid have started with 6 straight La Liga wins, scoring 16 goals and conceding just 4
Kylian Mbappe has scored 9 goals in 7 appearances across all competitions this season

Prediction

Atletico have made life difficult for Real in recent derbies, and another tight affair is expected. However, Los Blancos’ quality may just given them the edge.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid

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