The Madrid derby pits cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid against La Liga leaders Real Madrid, with both teams vying for domination.

Real Madrid leads the championship with 15 points after a flawless start to the season, while Atletico is currently seventh in the standings with 10 points from their first five games.

Despite a solid start to the current season, Atletico has been quiet lately. The momentum Simeone’s team was riding after accumulating 10 out of a potential 12 points after four rounds of games was undoubtedly interrupted by their defeat to Villarreal.

Atletico’s most recent game was a resounding defeat by Leverkusen in the champions league. For the host team, who wants to be regarded as a contender this season, the match against Real Madrid will be a task worth considering. Simeone’s team may suffer long-term consequences if they commit another error that allows their opponents to close the points gap between them and them. 

Real Madrid has had a fantastic start to the season, winning five of their first five games. Last week, the South American three of Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior helped the team cruise past Espanyol. Midweek, they defeated RB Leipzig 2-0 at the Bernabeu to maintain their perfect record in the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid La Liga form:

 W, L, W, D, W

Real Madrid La Liga form:

W, W, W, W, W, 

Team news

Sergio Reguilon, Jose Gimenez, Thomas Lemar, and Stefan Savic are all anticipated to be sidelined for this weekend’s game for Atletico.

However, Jan Oblak has been given the all-clear to start in goal, and Axel Witsel is likely to line up with Mario Hermoso and Reinildo in a back three once more.

Karim Benzema, who suffered a thigh injury against Celtic in the Champions League, is no longer available for selection.

Rodrygo could once again play as the false nine, with Valverde and Vinicius Junior completing the front three.

Most of the team is set, with Tchouameni expected to start in midfield alongside Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and that position’s full-back pairing of Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy.

Atletico Madrid expected starting lineup:

Oblak; Reinildo, Witsel, Hermoso; Molina, Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Carrasco; Morata, Felix

Real Madrid’s expected starting lineup:

Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius

Predictions 

Athletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid usually puts up a tenacious display against Real Madrid’. However, Simeone’s issues in the rear may give the visitors the upper hand this time, though.

Recent games have raised questions about the indifferent backline, which might have caused Real to become aware of the issue. Vinicius and Rodrygo, who are both in excellent form, will hurt Atletico.

Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid on TV and live stream 

La Liga fans in the UK can watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid derby on ITV, LaLigaTV while US fans can watch the game on ESPN+.

• UK and Ireland: ITV 4, The ITV Hub, Premier Player HD, Premier Sports 2, LaLigaTV

• US: ESPN+ and ESPN App

• Australia: Optus Sport

• Canada: TSN.ca, TSN App and TSN5

• Egypt: beIN Sports English, beIN SPORTS CONNECT and TOD

• France: beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT and Free

• Germany: DAZN1 and DAZN2

• India: MTV India, Voot Select, Sports18 and Sports18 HD

• Netherlands: Ziggo Sport Select and Ziggo Sport 14

• New Zealand: beIN Sports Connect New Zealand and Sky Sport 7 beIN Sports

• Nigeria: SuperSport MaXimo 1, Canal+ Sport 4 Afrique, SuperSport MáXimo 3, DStv Now, SuperSport Laliga Nigeria and SuperSport GOtv LaLiga

• Norway: TV2 Sport and TV 2 Play

• Portugal: Eleven Sports 1 Portugal

• South Africa: SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport Laliga, DStv App and SuperSport GOtv LaLiga

• Spain: Movistar+ and Movistar Laliga