Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid clash in the highly anticipated Madrid derby on Saturday, as two contrasting sides meet at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Real Madrid sit top of La Liga with a perfect record of six wins from six matches, while Atletico Madrid are struggling in ninth position with just two wins from their first five games.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news

Atletico Madrid Team News

Diego Simeone’s squad received a significant morale boost with Julian Alvarez’s spectacular hat-trick performance in Wednesday’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Rayo Vallecano. The Argentine striker’s heroics, culminating in an 88th-minute winner from the edge of the box, marked only Atletico’s second league victory of the campaign and silenced critics who had questioned his form after a penalty miss against Mallorca.

Simeone praised his star forward, declaring: “Julian is the best player we have. We need to take care of him, make sure that he is here for many years at Atleti. He has to help us, and we have to help him, so that he may be even better than he already is”.

Alexander Sorloth was suspended after receiving a red card as a substitute in the previous match against Mallorca. The Norwegian will be available against Real Madrid.

Jose Gimenez remains sidelined with a muscle injury expected to keep him out until early October, while Johnny Cardoso is also unavailable due to an ankle problem. Thiago Almada continues his recovery from muscle issues sustained on international duty. There’s better news, though, on Alex Baena, who has returned to full fitness after overcoming appendicitis surgery and muscle problems. The coach’s son, Giuliano Simeone, impressed in the Rayo victory and could feature prominently in the derby.

Real Madrid Team News

Xabi Alonso’s side has been dealt significant injury blows in defence ahead of the derby. Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered during the Champions League match against Marseille. The England international’s absence leaves Real Madrid short of natural right-back options.

Antonio Rudiger faces approximately three months on the sidelines due to a muscular problem sustained during the September international break. Ferland Mendy remains unavailable with a thigh injury that ended his 2024/25 campaign.

On a positive note, Jude Bellingham has returned to full training and is expected to be available for the derby, though he may not start immediately after his shoulder surgery recovery. Eduardo Camavinga is also back in contention after recent fitness concerns. Both played a part in the last two matches against Espanyol and Levante as they came on to the pitch late as substitutes, which hints at Xabi Alonso’s cautious approach with the players.

Form

Atletico Madrid

Following their midweek heroics against Rayo Vallecano, Atletico have climbed to 8th spot in the table. The dramatic 3-2 comeback, orchestrated by Alvarez’s clinical finishing, represents a potential turning point in their campaign after a disappointing start that saw them collect just six points from their opening five fixtures. The victory demonstrated Atletico’s resilience, overcoming a 2-1 deficit in the final stages through Alvarez’s inspired performance. Simeone’s tactical adjustments in the second half proved decisive, with the introduction of substitutes providing the necessary impetus for the comeback.

Real Madrid

Los Blancos have enjoyed a perfect start under Xabi Alonso, winning all six La Liga matches and maintaining the best defensive record in a decade. Their latest victory came against Levante with a commanding 4-1 display, featuring a goal from Vinicius Junior and a double from Kylian Mbappe.

Alonso’s tactical flexibility and squad rotation have been key factors, with players like Franco Mastantuono making impressive starts.

The Spanish coach has emphasised the need for continued improvement, stating: “We’re very much in a growing phase, we’re still building. There is a long way to go yet. We’re building a solid base to be competitive in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa”.

Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Molina; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Griezmann; Sørloth, Álvarez.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Carreras; Tchouameni, Valverde; Mastantuono, Guller, Vinicius; Mbappe.

How to Watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid?

UK fans can stream the match through the Premier Sports website and STV Player.

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