Real Madrid Set to Host Atlético Madrid in Crucial Derby

As the third edition of the season’s Derbi Madrileño approaches, Real Madrid may find themselves trailing league leaders Barcelona by seven points. Barcelona aims to secure their fifth straight La Liga victory when they face Rayo Vallecano in Sunday’s early match.

Recent Performance

After suffering setbacks against Osasuna and Getafe, Real Madrid appears to have regained their rhythm. A hard-fought win against Celta Vigo at Estadio de Balaídos was followed by a commanding 4-1 victory over Elche at home, allowing them to stay close to Barcelona in the title race. Notably, Los Blancos have won 12 of their 14 league matches at the Bernabéu this season, conceding only ten goals.

Despite losing in North London during the week, Atlético Madrid arrives for the derby with renewed confidence. They previously dominated their Sunday opponents with a 5-0 victory at the Metropolitano in September and have since enjoyed four league wins following a disappointing loss to Vallecano last month.

However, Atlético must secure a win at the Bernabéu to keep their title hopes alive due to the considerable gap between them and the reigning champions. Their troubling away performance this season could hinder their ambitions, as they have managed just 17 points from 13 away matches.

Fans in the UK can catch the important derby live on Premier Sports, with kickoff set for 20:00 BST.

Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: Essential Details

• Date: Sunday, March 22
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 (BST)
• Venue: Bernabéu, Madrid
• Referee: TBC
• VAR: TBC
• Broadcast: Premier Sports 1
• Odds: Real Madrid: 19/20, Draw: 3/1, Atlético Madrid: 5/2

Odds provided by bet365

Real Madrid Team Update

Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is dealing with a growing list of injured players, but some key figures are nearing their return. Kylian Mbappé, who missed five matches, returned for about 20 minutes against Manchester City. Though he’s been dealing with a knee issue, he seems to have escaped any severe damage. Jude Bellingham was not ready to play against City, but he might be fit enough for Sunday’s clash.

In contrast, Thibaut Courtois will be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a quadriceps injury sustained during the match at the Etihad. As a result, Andriy Lunin is expected to step in as the starting goalkeeper for the first time since January’s 3-2 upset against Albacete.

Real Madrid is currently short on defensive options, as both Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy are out due to hamstring injuries, and David Alaba is still recuperating. Raúl Asencio, despite recent injury troubles, is anticipated to return to the squad. Álvaro Carreras, who was previously a substitute, may also be reinstated in the starting lineup.

Dani Ceballos remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a previous injury.

Projected Real Madrid Line-up vs. Manchester City (4-3-3)

• Coach: Álvaro Arbeloa
• Starting XI: Andriy Lunin (GK); Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran García; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga; Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Arda Güler

Atlético Madrid Team Update

Jan Oblak is still recovering from a muscle injury, so Juan Musso will continue in goal. After giving up three goals against Tottenham, he bounced back with a clean sheet against Getafe last Saturday.

New signing Rodrigo Mendoza faces at least a month on the sidelines after injuring his ankle, and Pablo Barrios is out due to a thigh injury sustained in training. Meanwhile, Greek defender Ilias Kostis will miss the rest of the season following a serious knee injury.

In light of the challenging atmosphere at the Bernabéu, Diego Simeone may select Koke to lead Atlético’s midfield. The veteran player has faced Real Madrid 44 times, managing just 13 victories.

Projected Atlético Madrid Line-up vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2)

• Coach: Diego Simeone
• Starting XI: Juan Musso (GK); Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand, Dávid Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Nicolás González; Julián Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann

How to Watch

Premier Sports is set to broadcast the match from the Bernabéu, providing UK viewers with a chance to witness this significant event. Before this derby, Premier Sports will air three other La Liga matches, including Barcelona versus Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis vs. San Mamés, and Alavés vs. Celta Vigo.

Premier Sports, along with Disney+ and LaLiga TV, offers live coverage of La Liga matches in the UK, although Disney+ is limited to one match on Saturday evenings.

Head-to-Head History

This season, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have squared off twice, with each claiming a win. Atlético secured a dominant 5-2 victory in their last league meeting, but Real Madrid avenged that loss with a narrow win in the Spanish Super Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Should Atlético claim victory on Sunday, it would mark only the fifth time they’ve completed a league double over their rivals, having done so in previous years such as 1940/41, 1942/43, 1950/51, and 2014/15.

Following a six-match winless streak against Atlético, Real Madrid will be eager to restore balance in their rivalry. Historically, they have never gone seven consecutive derbies without a win, while Atlético is seeking their first victory at the Bernabéu in 13 attempts.

Match Result Odds

• Real Madrid: 19/20 (bet365)
• Draw: 3/1 (bet365)
• Atlético Madrid: 5/2 (bet365)

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and may change. All odds provided by bet365.