The Madrid derby is always a highly anticipated fixture, and this weekend’s clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid promises to be no different.

With both sides enjoying impressive unbeaten runs in the La Liga 2024/25 season, this contest at the Civitas Metropolitano could prove crucial in shaping the early title race. As the reigning champions, Real Madrid are eager to keep pace with Barcelona at the top of the table, while Atletico will look to extend their strong start under the ever-reliable Diego Simeone.

Atletico vs Real Madrid: Match Preview

Real Madrid head into Sunday’s derby in scintillating form, having gone unbeaten in their first seven league matches, securing five wins and two draws. Their high-flying attack, led by Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe, has been the driving force behind their blistering start. Although Mbappe is set to miss the game due to a thigh injury, the attacking prowess of the remaining stars makes Los Blancos a formidable challenge for any defense.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, boast a similarly impressive start, having secured three wins and three draws from their opening six fixtures. Simeone’s side, renowned for their defensive discipline, has conceded just three goals this season, giving them the best defensive record in La Liga. With home advantage and a defensive wall that has kept clean sheets in five of their last six games, Atletico will be confident of containing their city rivals.

Atletico Madrid’s success has long been built on a rock-solid defense, and the 2024/25 campaign has been no different. Conceding just 0.5 goals per game, Atletico’s backline has stifled opposition attacks with ease. Even more impressive is their recent home form against Real Madrid in the league, where they have only suffered one defeat in their last six encounters. The home supporters will be in full voice, expecting their side to deliver another memorable result against their bitter rivals.

Real Madrid, while known for their attacking flair, also possess a defense that has been hard to break down. Conceding only five goals in their seven matches, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have shown a well-balanced side that can dominate both ends of the pitch. Although they will miss the goalscoring prowess of Mbappe, Real’s Vinicius and Rodrygo have been in sparkling form, with the pair contributing significantly to the team’s 16 goals this season.

Despite Real Madrid’s dominance in overall meetings, Atletico Madrid have often proven difficult opponents in recent derbies. In fact, Atletico were the last side to beat Real in La Liga, securing a 3-1 victory in their home fixture in September 2023. Diego Simeone’s side has consistently found ways to frustrate their city rivals, with their gritty performances yielding positive results in the Metropolitano.

Interestingly, Atletico have been the first to score in five of the last six Madrid derbies, and they will be looking to replicate that early momentum in Sunday’s clash. This ability to strike first and defend doggedly could be pivotal as they aim to send a message to the rest of the league with a strong performance.

Without a doubt, both teams are packed with star talent. For Atletico, Julian Alvarez has proven to be a game-changer, with his recent last-minute winner against Celta Vigo highlighting his knack for delivering in crucial moments. Meanwhile, Atletico’s defensive unit, marshalled by captain Jan Oblak, will play a vital role in keeping Real’s attack at bay.

On the Real Madrid side, all eyes will be on Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to fill the void left by Mbappe’s absence. The Brazilian duo has been lethal in front of goal and will need to be at their best to breach Atletico’s defense. Ancelotti’s midfield, led by veteran Luka Modric and the ever running Fede Valverde, will also be crucial in controlling the tempo of the match.

A victory for either side would not only enhance their standing in the table but could also have significant implications for the title race. Atletico Madrid, currently two points behind Real, will leapfrog their rivals with a win and establish themselves as genuine contenders alongside Barcelona. It has been three years since Atletico last lifted the La Liga title in 2020-21, and a triumph in the derby would serve as a statement of intent.

For Real Madrid, maintaining their unbeaten record and staying within touching distance of Barcelona at the top is paramount. They have enjoyed a near-perfect start to the season, and with a tough stretch of fixtures on the horizon, including Villarreal and a Champions League tie against Lille, securing three points in the derby could provide a crucial confidence boost.

Atletico vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head

Over the years, La Liga has offered 174 chances for such rivalry. Real Madrid has claimed 91 victories, Atlético has secured 41 wins, and 42 matches have ended in draws.

Atletico Madrid wins: 41
Draws: 42
Real Madrid wins: 91

Atletico vs Real Madrid: Team News

Atletico

Atletico Madrid will be without several key players for the Madrid derby, as Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Lemar, and Pablo Barrios are sidelined due to injuries. However, the squad remains in solid form, with the return of several key players. Coach Diego Simeone is expected to make changes to the lineup that secured a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Samuel Lino are all set to return to the starting XI.

In attack, Alexander Sorloth may drop to the bench, with Alvarez likely partnering Antoine Griezmann in the final third. Summer signing Conor Gallagher is also expected to make his Madrid derby debut, bringing energy and dynamism to Atletico’s midfield.

Atletico: Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper – Oblak
Defenders – Le Normand, Gimenez, Reinildo
Midfielders – Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher, Lino
Forwards – Alvarez, Griezmann

Real Madrid

For Real Madrid, the biggest team news revolves around the absence of star forward Kylian Mbappe, who is out with a thigh injury sustained in their previous match against Alaves. Other absentees include Brahim Diaz, Dani Ceballos, and David Alaba, but the squad is bolstered by the return of Eduardo Camavinga from a knee injury and Dani Carvajal, who missed the 3-2 victory over Alaves.

With Mbappe unavailable, manager Carlo Ancelotti is likely to revert to the 4-3-1-2 formation that was effective last season. This setup would see Jude Bellingham positioned behind Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, while Luka Modric is expected to start in midfield, providing balance and creativity for Los Blancos.

Real Madrid: Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper – Courtois
Defenders – Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy
Midfielders – Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric, Bellingham
Forwards – Rodrygo, Vinicius

Atletico vs Real Madrid: Prediction

The Madrid Derby is always a thrilling spectacle for fans, filled with passion and intensity from both players and supporters. While many may argue that El Clasico is the pinnacle of rivalry in La Liga, the Madrid Derby is not far behind.

Playing at home, Atletico will be determined not to disappoint their fans, especially in such a pivotal clash. Atletico supporters still carry the sting of the two defeats in the UEFA Champions League finals at the hands of Real Madrid, memories that continue to linger.

This derby presents the perfect opportunity for Atletico to seek redemption against their fierce rivals. However, Real Madrid will need to be at their absolute best to make a strong statement in hostile territory.

Prediction: Atletico 1-2 Real Madrid

When and Where to Watch the Match? Streaming Details

Atletico will face Real Madrid on Monday midnight, September 30, with the match set to kick off at 12:30 AM IST. GXR World Website holds the broadcasting rights for the La Liga 2024-25 season in India. The game will be streamed live on the GXR World Website. Fans can also watch the match via live stream on the GXR World app on their smartphones in India.