Real Madrid cannot tolerate failing to avenge their substantial away defeat by Atletico Madrid as they prepare to welcome their city adversaries to the Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday.
Currently, Madrid lags four points behind their traditional rivals, Barcelona, who sit atop LaLiga. This disparity could widen to seven points before the local clash even starts, as Barcelona is scheduled to entertain Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou a full seven hours prior to Madrid’s encounter with Atletico.
Consequently, a considerable burden will rest upon Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad to ensure the championship chase does not further favour Barcelona before elite club football takes a hiatus for an international break.
While Madrid just secured a resounding 5-1 aggregate victory against Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16, subduing Atletico will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge.
Earlier in September, Atletico soundly defeated a Madrid team managed by Xabi Alonso 5-2. Furthermore, they remain without a win in their previous three home league encounters against Diego Simeone’s squad, who recently eliminated Tottenham in their last-16 contest, thus scheduling a Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.
Should they achieve their inaugural away LaLiga triumph in this specific matchup in over a decade, the Rojiblancos would close the distance to six points behind Madrid, who currently hold second place.
Aiming to thwart their ambitions will be Madrid’s prominent player, Kylian Mbappe, who rejoined the squad after recovering from injury during the return fixture against City this past Tuesday.
Nonetheless, Atletico boasts a striker currently displaying superb form in Julian Alvarez, who has contributed to nine goals (six goals, three assists) across his last 11 outings.
Given that their participation in next season’s Champions League is virtually secured, Simeone’s squad can approach this match unburdened by stress.
In fact, the triumph of their current season is now predominantly linked to the forthcoming Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad next month and their quest for an inaugural Champions League title.
For Madrid, however, the intense observation remains unrelenting.
While their display over both legs facing City will have earned Arbeloa some goodwill, he will undoubtedly face widespread censure if their European triumph is succeeded by a potentially pivotal defeat in the local clash.
Squad Updates for Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid
Eder Militao (hamstring), Dani Ceballos (calf), Rodrygo (knee), and Thibaut Courtois (thigh) are all expected to be absent for Madrid, though Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy have both rejoined practice sessions and might participate.
Pablo Barrios is sidelined for Atletico due to a thigh problem, and a muscular strain will exclude Rodrigo Mendoza.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak is questionable due to a hip ailment.
Anticipated Starting Formations for Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde; Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius.
Atletico Madrid: Musso; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Sorloth, Alvarez.
Viewing Options for Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid: Television and Digital Broadcasts
The clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is set to commence at 8:00pm UK local time. It is scheduled for transmission on Premier Sports 1 (requiring a subscription), and Premier Sports account holders may also view through the Premier Sports Player. Furthermore, live streaming will be accessible via La Liga TV (a subscription is necessary).
Bet365 patrons with account balances are eligible to view the match via the bet365 website or its dedicated application.