The new highly anticipated Madrid derby returns this Sunday at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Atlético Madrid will host their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for crucial points in the La Liga standings.
Atlético Madrid currently sits third in the La Liga table with 15 points from their opening seven matches. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, they have displayed a solid defensive record, conceding just three goals this season.
Despite a recent 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano, they bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo, with Julian Alvarez netting a late winner.
The hosts remain unbeaten with a record of four wins and three draws, and a victory this weekend would signal their title ambitions.
Ngong Stadium was packed to witness an intense Sunday League game
Real Madrid, meanwhile, occupies second place with 17 points, just four points shy of leaders Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti’s side is riding a 39-match unbeaten streak in La Liga, closing in on Barcelona’s record of 43.
They recently secured five consecutive victories, including a commanding 3-1 win against Stuttgart in the Champions League. However, they will face a stern test against their local rivals.
The former Leicester City man has seldom been used by new head coach Enzo Maresca so far this season.
Atlético Madrid will be without César Azpilicueta, Thomas Lemar, and Pablo Barrios due to injuries.
Despite these absences, the squad is largely fit, with potential changes expected after the win against Celta.
Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Samuel Lino are likely to return to the starting XI, alongside Antoine Griezmann.
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Real Madrid will miss star forward Kylian Mbappé due to a thigh injury sustained in their last match against Alaves.
Brahim Diaz, Dani Ceballos, and David Alaba are also sidelined, but Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal have returned to the squad, boosting Ancelotti’s options.
With Mbappé out, a 4-3-1-2 formation is anticipated, allowing Jude Bellingham to support Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in attack.
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— Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
— Defenders: Le Normand, Gimenez, Reinildo
— Midfielders: Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher, Lino
— Forward: Alvarez, Griezmann
— Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
— Defenders: Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy
— Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric
— Attacking Midfielder: Bellingham
— Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinicius