It is the Madrid derby as Los Rojiblancos host Los Blancos at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 27, 19:45 (IST). Both teams are coming off triumphs in their last contest. However, Xabi Alonso’s men look domineering as they are yet to drop a point out of the six games played. On the contrary, Diego Simeone’s men survived an upset after Julian Alvarez’s late hat-trick came to the rescue.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Key Stats:
- Head-to-Head: Since 2011, the two teams have met on 52 occasions, with Real Madrid winning 21, Atletico winning 14, and the points being shared in the remaining 17.
- Last 5 meetings: The last 5 meetings between the two have witnessed 3 draws, with the results coming only in last year’s Champions League Round of 16 tie. Both teams won their home fixtures, but the 15-time UCL champions progressed to the quarter-finals as drama unfolded on Atletico’s turf, a controversial Alvarez penalty that was ruled out. The Madrid-born Marcos Llorente also missed for Simeone’s side.
- Atletico Madrid have scored 9 goals in their last 5 matches, winning 2, losing 2, and drawing 1. Real Madrid are off to a flying start as mentioned, winning all of their previous 5 games, including a UCL win against Marseille. The current La Liga toppers have scored 12 goals so far in the league, while also flexing their defensive superiority, keeping the most cleansheets, 3.
Key Players to watch out for:
For the hosts, all eyes will be on Julian Alvarez, who took matters in his hands to aid Atletico clinch the 3 points. The Argentine has scored 4 goals in the competition and has set up 1. He also has the most shots on target per 90 for his side (1.8). The Real Madrid academy boy Marcos Llorente would also be one to look out for, having created the most big chances for Atletico, 3.
It’s no surprise who will be the one to look out for when the neighbours arrive. Kylian Mbappe has looked immense in helping Xabi Alonso set his fingerprint on this star-studded squad that seemed to have lost their way towards the end of last season. The Frenchman has scored 7 goals in La Liga, leading the Pichichi race, at least 3 ahead of the next best. He also has an assist to his name.
Predicted Line-Up:
- Atletico Madrid XI: Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, David Hancko, Guiliano Simeone, Koke, Pablo Barrios, Conor Gallagher, Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann
- Real Madrid XI: Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Franco Mastantuono, Arda Guler, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe
Key Injuries:
- Atletico Madrid: Jose Gimenez, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada
- Real Madrid: Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy
What to expect?
An enthralling encounter is on the cards as Diego Simeone and co. will be desperate for back-to-back wins, and the Madrid derby could be the best way for them to give their fans more hope after a disappointing start to the season.
Xabi Alonso’s men are set to face their first big challenge of the season, and a triumph here would be a statement. Real Madrid haven’t come out with 3 points at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano since 2022.
