The highly anticipated Madrid derby is set to take place on Sunday, September 29, as Atlético Madrid hosts Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. This match is more than just a local rivalry; it holds significant implications for the La Liga standings.
Atlético Madrid, currently third in the La Liga table with 15 points from seven matches, has been in solid form, boasting an unbeaten record with four wins and three draws. Their defensive prowess has been particularly impressive, having conceded only three goals and keeping clean sheets in five of their last six league games.
Real Madrid, the reigning champions, sit second in the table with 17 points, just four points behind leaders Barcelona. Despite their strong run, including an unbeaten streak of 39 league matches, they face a tough test against their city rivals. The absence of Kylian Mbappé, who is out for three weeks due to a leg injury, adds to the challenge.
Team News and Lineups
Atlético Madrid will be without captain César Azpilicueta, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. However, Rodrigo de Paul is expected to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a knock. Julian Alvarez, who scored a crucial 90th-minute winner against Celta Vigo, is likely to play a key role. The predicted lineup for Atlético includes Jan Oblak in goal, with Robin Le Normand, Thomas Lemar, and Antoine Griezmann also featuring prominently.
Real Madrid, despite the injury to Mbappé, has a strong squad to choose from. Carlo Ancelotti is likely to field a lineup that includes Thibaut Courtois in goal, with Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy in defense. In midfield, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham are expected to start, while Endrick or Arda Güler may replace the injured Mbappé up front.
Historical Context and Recent Form
The Madrid derby is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in football. Historically, Real Madrid has the upper hand, having won 91 matches to Atlético's 41 in Primera División encounters. However, recent meetings have been closely contested, with Atlético handing Real Madrid their first defeat of last season and the two teams drawing 1-1 in the reverse fixture.
Real Madrid's recent form has been impressive, with five straight wins in all competitions, including a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart in the Champions League. However, the absence of Mbappé and the defensive solidity of Atlético make this match a challenging one for the visitors.
Where to Watch
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 PM ET on Sunday, September 29, and can be watched on ESPN+ and Fubo in the US. For viewers in other regions, the game will be broadcast on various channels including ITV4 and Premier Sports 1 in the UK, and beIN Sports 3 in Australia.
