Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid go head-to-head in the first Madrid derby of the season, which could go a long way to showing both sides'
Real Madrid is second in La Liga with Atletico third, although neither side has been totally convincing in their displays in the opening month and a half of the campaign, with Real Madrid criticized for a lack of control in defense and midfield, while Atletico has ridden their luck against rivals such as Athletic Bilbao and Celta.
Koke (R) of Atletico Madrid vies with Isi Palazon of Rayo Vallecano during the Spanish league (La Liga) football match between Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, in Madrid, Spain, on Sept. 22, 2024. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)
Last season Real Madrid's only league defeat came in Atletico's Metropolitano Stadium and Carlo Ancelotti's side has not lost in the domestic competition since then, although they face some injury problems.
Kylian Mbappe misses the game with a thigh injury, while Brahim Diaz and Dani Ceballos are also out, with the game coming just too soon for Eduardo Camavinga as he recovers from an ankle problem. Right back Dani Carvajal is also a doubt after missing Tuesday's win at home to Alaves.
Atletico Madrid is unhappy about the timing of the match, with Real Madrid playing at home on Tuesday, while their game in Vigo was on Thursday night, meaning their rivals have over 48 hours more to recover from their midweek efforts and to prepare for Sunday. With La Liga cramming eight matches into the first six weeks of the campaign, that is a clear advantage for Ancelotti's men.
Vinicius Jr is likely to be the center of attention in Sunday's match, with the Brazilian in the spotlight due to his continued complaints to officials, which has so far gone unpunished. The winger has also been the victim of racist abuse by a sector of Atletico's 'ultra' fans both in and around the Metropolitano Stadium, and that is likely to be a further point of tension in the game.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is another player who will have to steel himself for a hostile reception after his spell at Atletico, but the Belgian has been Real's savior so many times.
With Barcelona playing on Saturday, both sides will know what they need to do to keep pace, and this game will show if the two teams have what it takes to challenge for the title.
