Three talking points ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid | La Liga MD7 | OneFootball

As La Liga enters Matchday 7, only one game highlights the league calendar – Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid.

The Madrid derby has been a hard-fought affair in recent years with both sides having their share of spoils. Last season, in fact, the two sides met not only in La Liga but also in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

This time around, however, Los Rojiblancos’ form has not been as impressive as they have won just two of their six games and have even lost one already. They sit ninth on the table, already nine points behind Real Madrid.

Los Blancos, meanwhile, are flying and yet to drop a point and will look to keep that streak going tomorrow evening.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid.

The first elite test

Real Madrid will go on to face many an elite opposition this season, especially in the UEFA Champions League where they have been presented with a tricky draw right from the league phase.

Tomorrow evening’s clash, however, will be the first elite-level game Real Madrid take part in during the ongoing season and all eyes will be on how Los Blancos adapt on the night.

With Xabi Alonso taking over at the FIFA Club World Cup, the manager has already overseen the team’s games against some of Europe’s biggest teams as was organised in that event.

The clash against Atletico Madrid tomorrow, however, will be Alonso’s first game with Real Madrid against a top-tier opposition after overseeing his side adjust to his tactics well. The battle, thus, will be a fascinating one to follow.

Real Madrid have been dominant so far this season across all competitions and are yet to drop a point in both La Liga and the Champions League. Atletico Madrid, however, are a level above the opponents they have faced so far and Los Blancos must thus be at their best.

Alonso’s midfield decision

Will Bellingham start in the derby? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham is a player the new manager counts on heavily in his plans and he has even made his stance clear to the press on various occasions so far.

The Englishman, however, underwent shoulder surgery at the end of the Club World Cup and faced a long period on the sidelines with his recovery time initially expected to run well into October.

Bellingham, however, managed a stunningly swift recovery and made his return in Real Madrid’s game against Espanyol in La Liga coming on for the final minutes of the game.

He then went on to play 20 minutes against Levante, giving the manager hope that he can play a bigger part in the Madrid derby.

There is doubt that Bellingham is fit enough to play for Real Madrid in the derby right from the get-go. The manager’s question, however, is over his match-preparedness and that factor is preventing him from placing him back in the XI.

It is not ruled out that Bellingham starts in the derby and Alonso will make that decision in the coming hours. If the Englishman is to start, however, the question remains which of Franco Mastantuono or Arda Guler the manager chooses to bench.

Vinicius must stay calm

The Madrid derby, over the years, has earned a reputation for having one of the most hostile atmospheres in world football. Of the two scheduled routinely every season, the one at the Civitas Metropolitano is considered more extreme on that front.

The men in white, needless to say, have a difficult time playing at the venue and understandably so. While the support from the stands from Atletico Madrid is commendable, it is the racist slur that crosses the line.

Vinicius Jr., in particular, has had a torrid time at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in recent years and the targeted chants against him have not died down. Needless to say, the constant commotion tends to get on his nerves and disturb his output.

This time around, the Brazilian enters the game in a situation where he is just about rediscovering his form and focus, at this point, is more crucial than any other factor. Staying calm tomorrow, thus, is key for Vinicius.

The winger can be the team’s decisive attacking player if he is in the right mental space and run of form, and a lot of it tomorrow will depend on how well he can handle his composure and cut out the noise.