Real Madrid face a stern test as they prepare to take on their fierce city rivals, Atletico Madrid, this Sunday. The stage is set at the Civitas Metropolitano, the site of Real Madrid’s last La Liga defeat, and the stakes are high with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the Spanish capital.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side enters the derby with a strong momentum, having secured five consecutive wins across all competitions, including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Deportivo Alaves. However, the team is hit with a significant blow as star forward Kylian Mbappe is sidelined due to a thigh injury. This absence leaves a gap in the attack that Ancelotti will need to fill strategically.
Despite the setback, Real Madrid have received a boost with the return of Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga from injury. These reinforcements could prove crucial as Los Blancos look to break Atletico’s unbeaten run in La Liga this season.
Tactical Outlook: 4-4-2 Formation in the Cards
Ancelotti is expected to revert to a 4-4-2 diamond formation, a system that brought them success last season. Thibaut Courtois will be looking to extend his unbeaten record against his former club as he guards the net. The backline will likely see the return of Dani Carvajal at right-back, joining Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy.
In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni will anchor the diamond with Jude Bellingham playing just ahead, a role in which he thrived last season. Federico Valverde is expected to start, and the final midfield spot could go to the experienced Luka Modric, given that Camavinga might not be fully match-fit after his recovery.
Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Lead the Attack
With Mbappe out, the attacking duties will fall on Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian duo has been in fine form, with Rodrygo scoring in the last two matches and Vinicius finding the net against Espanyol. The 18-year-old Endrick might have been an option to lead the line, but Ancelotti is unlikely to take that risk in such a high-stakes match.
The Derby’s Significance
This match is more than just a battle for three points. Real Madrid will be looking to avenge their two defeats to Atletico last season, which included a 3-1 loss at this very stadium. A victory on Sunday would not only solidify their position at the top of the table but also send a strong message to their rivals about their intent to reclaim the title.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the Civitas Metropolitano to see if Real Madrid can overcome their injury woes and emerge victorious in what promises to be a fiercely contested Madrid derby.The upcoming Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano is set to be a high-stakes affair. Real Madrid, riding the momentum of five consecutive wins, face a significant challenge with the absence of Kylian Mbappé due to injury. This could force manager Carlo Ancelotti to rethink his attacking strategy, but the return of Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga will provide much-needed reinforcement.
Ancelotti is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Aurelien Tchouameni anchoring the midfield and Jude Bellingham operating in an advanced role. Federico Valverde and Luka Modric are likely to join him in midfield, providing a blend of energy and experience. At the back, Dani Carvajal will return alongside Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy, with Thibaut Courtois in goal aiming to keep his unbeaten record against his former club.
In attack, the onus will be on Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Jr., both of whom have been in fine form recently. With Mbappé sidelined, these two will need to provide the creative spark and finishing ability to unlock Atlético’s disciplined defense.
The derby holds special significance, as Real Madrid will be looking to avenge last season’s defeats to their city rivals, particularly the 3-1 loss at the Civitas Metropolitano. A win would not only solidify their position at the top of the table but also send a strong message in their bid to reclaim the La Liga title. Despite Atlético’s unbeaten start, Real Madrid will be determined to break their rivals’ run and make a statement in the capital.
