The Madrid derby is just around the corner as Atletico Madrid prepare to host their arch-rivals Real Madrid.
This highly anticipated match, set to take place at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, promises an intense battle between two of Spain’s biggest clubs.
Match Preview
Real Madrid enters the game with a perfect start to their season, having won all six of their matches so far, including five in La Liga.
With 15 points, they currently sit at the top of the league table.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid finds themselves in seventh place, having collected seven points from their four games.
Although Atletico might not be satisfied with their current position, they have a game in hand due to a postponed match against Sevilla.
Their early-season campaign saw a victory against Granada, a draw with Real Betis, a thrashing 7-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, and a disappointing 3-0 loss to Valencia.
In their Champions League group-stage opener, Atletico fell agonizingly short of victory against Lazio, conceding a late equalizer.
A defeat in the Madrid derby could further dent their title hopes, potentially leaving them with an 11-point gap behind Real Madrid.
Last season’s corresponding match saw Atletico suffer a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid.
However, they did manage to secure a 1-0 win at Wanda Metropolitano during the 2021-22 campaign, their only league success against their rivals since February 2016.
Real Madrid, under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, has been in remarkable form this season.
They have notched up six consecutive victories in all competitions, including their five La Liga matches.
Additionally, they started their Champions League journey with a 1-0 win over Union Berlin.
One player who has particularly stood out for Real Madrid is Jude Bellingham. The young Englishman has scored six goals in six appearances, including a last-gasp winner against Union Berlin. His form has been crucial to Real Madrid’s successful run so far.
Another win for Real Madrid in the Madrid derby would set them up nicely for upcoming matches against Las Palmas and Girona in the league, before facing Napoli in the Champions League.
Team news
Atletico will be without Thomas Lemar, Caglar Soyuncu, Reinildo, and Barrios.
Memphis Depay, Koke and Rodrigo De Paul face late fitness tests.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be missing Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal due to injuries.
Arda Guler and Vinicius Junior are back in training but unlikely to start.
Possible starting lineups
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak;
Savic, Gimenez, Hermoso;
Molina, Saul, Llorente, De Paul, Lino;
Griezmann, Morata
Real Madrid:
Kepa;
Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, F Garcia;
Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga;
Bellingham;
Rodrygo, Joselu
Prediction
Considering the current form of both teams, a closely contested match is expected.
While Real Madrid might be the favorites on paper, Atletico has the potential to cause an upset.
Therefore, we predict a 1-1 draw in this thrilling Madrid derby.