Madrid Derby: Things To Know As Atletico Madrid Welcome Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s trip to Atlético Madrid headlines the weekend’s La Liga action as the fierce city rivals look to secure a third consecutive league victory.

Just two points separate the Madrid rivals ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Metropolitano. Los Blancos have recorded five wins from six matches at the start of José Mourinho’s second spell in charge, while Diego Simeone’s side have collected 13 points from a possible 18.

Both teams are chasing early leaders Barcelona in the title race, adding further importance to the derby. Beyond the league standings, however, local bragging rights will also be at stake in the final fixture before the upcoming international break.

Real Madrid have enjoyed the better record across the 243 previous meetings between the sides, but they suffered a heavy defeat at the Metropolitano last season. Atlético ran out 5-2 winners, extending Real Madrid’s winless run at the stadium to six matches.

The venue has often played a significant role in determining the outcome of this fixture. Real Madrid have generally dominated encounters at the Santiago Bernabéu, while Atlético have enjoyed greater success in recent meetings at the Metropolitano.

With neither team yet to reach its best level and both sides eager to avoid defeat, the derby could produce another closely contested encounter. The attacking quality on both sides also points towards an entertaining afternoon.

The last 10 meetings between the teams across all competitions have produced 38 goals, with just one clean sheet recorded during that period. Given the attacking options available to both sides, another high-scoring contest could be on the cards.

Mourinho’s attacking options will pose a major threat to Atlético, although weaknesses in Real Madrid’s midfield and defence could give the hosts confidence. Atlético, meanwhile, have scored seven goals in their last two matches and will enter the derby with confidence in attack.

Atlético’s fortress: Atlético have lost just one of their last nine home games against Real Madrid, while Simeone has suffered only six defeats in his last 60 La Liga matches at the Metropolitano.

Goals galore: Both Madrid clubs have been productive in front of goal this season. Real Madrid have scored 17 goals in their opening six league matches, while Atlético have found the net 14 times.

Eyes on the second half: The second half could prove decisive at the Metropolitano. Atlético have conceded all six of their league goals after the interval, while Real Madrid have scored four times in the 90th minute or later this season.

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Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2–2 Real Madrid

Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Julian Álvarez missed Atlético’s morale-boosting victories over Real Sociedad and Osasuna due to injury, but the Argentina international has now returned to team training. It remains unclear whether he will start or feature from the bench.

Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth are also expected to undergo late fitness assessments, with both players doubts for the derby.

If Álvarez does not start, Jonathan David and Ademola Lookman are expected to form the attacking partnership after their impressive display against Osasuna. Álex Baena and Lee Kang-in should provide support from the wings.

Jan Oblak is expected to start in goal, while Cristian Romero and Álex Grimaldo could make their first appearances in the Madrid derby in defence.

Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Romero, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Lee, Koke, Hjulmand, Baena; David, Lookman.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid

Real Madrid remain without long-term absentees Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy, but Mourinho otherwise has a fully available squad for the derby.

The Real Madrid manager is not expected to make many changes from the side that defeated Elche, although Arda Güler could make way for Jude Bellingham in the starting lineup.

Denzel Dumfries could also return at right-back in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Bernardo Silva is pushing for a starting role in midfield ahead of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde.

Yan Diomande is expected to retain his place after an impressive midweek performance, while Kylian Mbappé will lead the attack as he looks to add to his eight goals this season.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.; Mbappé.

Match Details

Location: Madrid, Spain
Stadium: Metropolitano Stadium
Date: Sunday, September 20
Kick-off Time: 10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15 a.m. PT / 3:15 p.m. BST
Referee: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias