While the Madrid derby needs no introduction, a title race makes it even spicier as first-place Real Madrid host challengers Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Atleti come into the match just one point back of their arch rivals. A win would take them top of the table, but they have not emerged from the Bernabeu victorious since 2016.
There’s no better time like the present, as Real Madrid are licking their wounds after their controversial defeat to Espanyol last weekend, which re-opened the title race and brought them within striking distance of those giving chase.
Los Blancos are also mired in the midst of a defensive injury crisis that has seen them reduced to scraps, especially in the middle of the back line.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Real Madrid are in a world of hurt at the back. Having lost Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao for the season, they are also down Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, who have both picked up recent muscle issues. Rudiger had been worked to the brink due to the already thin squad, while Alaba had only just returned from his long-term knee injury before going down again.
That leaves just Jesus Vallejo, Raul Asencio, and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as the options at centre-back. Full-back has also been a problem, as Carlo Ancelotti has rotated between Lucas Vazquez and Fede Valverde on the right, while platooning Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia on the left.
Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe were all rested for the midweek Copa del Rey victory over Leganes but should return here for this massive rivalry match. Eduardo Camavinga isn’t expected back for another few weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Tchouameni, Vallejo, Mendy — Modric, Bellingham, Valverde — Rodygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Injured: Militao (ACL), Carvajal (ACL), Rudiger (thigh), Alaba (muscle), Camavinga (hamstring)
Suspended: None
MORE: All the latest Real Madrid news | Latest La Liga top goal scorer list | Latest Champions League top goal scorer list
In contrast to their cross-town rivals, Atletico Madrid are in good shape overall with their squad availability.
They are without Robin Le Normand due to an ill-timed yellow-card suspension, but they otherwise have all their first-choice starters available for selection.
Pablo Barrios has returned to training after missing time due to illness, but Riquelme has been felled by a virus and missed out on Thursday, leaving his participation in doubt. Thomas Lemar has had an injury-plagued season and is not yet ready to return, still training individually at the moment.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Musso (GK) — Molina, Gimenez, Azpilicueta, Galan — Simeone, De Paul, Koke, Lino — Griezmann, Alvarez
Injured: Riquelme (illness, doubt), Lemar (muscle)
Suspended: Le Normand (yellow-card accumulation)
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga rivalry match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
