Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Match preview

After surviving a scare in the previous match, Real Madrid prepare for perhaps their biggest and most challenging game of the season as they take on Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Merengues tasted defeat at the hands of their city rivals last season, in the 6th match of the campaign when they lost 3-1. Since then, Los Blancos have been on a 39-match unbeaten streak in La Liga.

The previous five fixtures against these two sides also fall in the favour of Los Rojiblancos who have won two, with Real Madrid winning one and the other two being a draw. Wanda Metropolitano has been a fortress for Diego Simeone’s side in particular, as the men in white have not been able to secure a victory here since 2022.

To make matters even more difficult this time around, Carlo Ancelotti will be without the services of Kylian Mbappe, who has been ruled out for the next three weeks and will possibly return against Celta Vigo.

This opens up many possibilities on how the Merengues will take to the field against Atletico. Eduardo Camavinga’s return definitely boosts the midfield and it will not be a surprise if the starting lineup consists of 4 midfielders.

Carlo Ancelotti has hinted playing a 4-4-2 and according to reports, the lineup has been decided with there being a toss up between Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga for the final spot in the middle.

The Italian has kept his cards close to his chest, not revealing much as regards to how he will handle Camavinga, clearly mentioning that the Frenchman can either play the full match or not play at all.

In case of a 4-man midfield, Vinicius and Rodrygo are most likely to be the two attacking options upfront. However, a 4-3-3 is not ruled out as well, with Endrick getting a surprise start as a striker.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have had a similar start to the Merengues, with them being unbeaten in all competitions so far, with their most recent win being a slender victory against Celta Vigo.

Simeone boasts an impressive yet underrated squad at his disposal after Atleti had a brilliant summer transfer window, with the signings of World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, Connor Gallagher, Alexander Sorloth, and Robin le Normand. All these names have done well so far, each contributing to the side’s wins this season.

Sorloth is a name many Madridistas would be aware of as the Norwegian netted 4 goals while playing for Villareal last season against Madrid in a 4-4 draw.

Following FC Barcelona’s shocking defeat to Osasuna, these fierce rivals remain the only two teams in the league without a loss and this makes the Derby even more mouthwatering than it already is.

Both sides have an opportunity to close in on the table toppers FC Barcelona as another epic clash awaits between Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone’s men.