Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have been unstoppable final season, until they have been going through metropolis rivals Atletico Madrid. The solely two defeats Los Blancos suffered have been inflicted by Diego Simeone’s facet, who host Real Madrid on Sunday in a spicy La Liga derby conflict. Atletico have been the final staff to beat Madrid within the prime flight, simply over a yr in the past, with Carlo Ancelotti’s males unbeaten in 39 video games since.
The Rojiblancos additionally turfed Madrid out of the Copa del Rey in January 2024 within the final 16, which is the one loss Madrid have fallen to within the calendar yr.
Madrid are with out star summer time signing Kylian Mbappe after he suffered a thigh damage within the midweek win over Alaves, however nonetheless have a galaxy of attacking stars to name on.
Brazilian ahead Vinicius Junior, usually the goal of abuse from Atletico supporters, has hit prime type forward of the derby, whereas midfielder Jude Bellingham could also be given extra attacking obligations.
Young striker Endrick is another choice for Ancelotti, with the Brazilian teenager impressing off the bench when given possibilities to play to date.
Another choice is to play with Luka Modric as an additional midfielder in a return to the 4-4-2 formation fairly than sustaining the 4-3-3 used to date to assist Madrid minimise Atletico’s risk.
After a sluggish begin to the marketing campaign the place Madrid drew at Mallorca and Las Palmas inside the primary three league video games, now Los Blancos have received 5 in a row throughout all competitions.
“We’re getting higher and it fits us as a result of the schedule may be very demanding,” mentioned Ancelotti this week.
“We’ve come again properly after the break and we need to proceed like this for Sunday’s recreation, which goes to be very powerful.”
Madrid, second, path leaders Barcelona by 4 factors and it could possibly be seven by the point the derby kicks off with Hansi Flick’s facet going through Osasuna on Saturday.
Atletico come into the match two factors behind Los Blancos after a lucky late 1-0 win at Celta Vigo, earned by Julian Alvarez’s Ninetieth-minute strike.
“(The derby) is a vital recreation… We have to organize and suppose properly about this match that might be essential for what’s to return, and for the season,” mentioned Alvarez.
The ahead might begin after coming off the bench towards Celta, with Simeone utilizing Alvarez in quite a lot of totally different roles to date.
“He’s a flexible participant, he can play upfront, he can play (in midfield), he offers us extra choices,” mentioned the coach.
Player to look at: Aimar OrozThe Osasuna midfielder is his staff’s largest hope of denting Barcelona’s one hundred pc report when the Liga leaders go to El Sadar on Saturday. Oroz, 22, presents a good purpose risk in assist of Croatian goal man Ante Budimir, in addition to vitality to battle with Barca within the center.
Key stats
14 – Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni has made essentially the most interceptions within the league.
21 – Barca winger Lamine Yamal has been fouled essentially the most within the prime flight.
27 – Saves made by over-worked Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, greater than every other goalkeeper.
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