MY ACCOUNT
Real Madrid pulled off one of the most historic comebacks ever in the Champions League on Wednesday as they overcame Manchester City to reach the final.
They have also wrapped up the LaLiga title and return to domestic matters against their rivals Atletico on Sunday.
Diego Simeone’s side have plenty to play for, with a top-four spot and the Champions League football that it brings on the line.
Atleti are in pole position to finish fourth but have Real Betis and Real Sociedad breathing down their necks so they need every point they can get.
To add to the usual derby-day fervour, Simeone has said that his squad will refuse to give their rivals a guard of honour for winning the title in what could be a tasty affair.
Team news
Both sides have plenty of injury concerns coming into this clash.
David Alaba, Dani Ceballos, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Eden Hazard and Isco have missed out on the Real Madrid squad through injury while Carlo Ancelotti also confirmed that back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will start ahead of the rested Thibaut Courtois.
For Atletico, Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar are both nursing hamstring injuries so miss out, while Mario Hermoso is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Stefan Savic returns from a suspension of his own to bolster the Atleti back line.
The stats
Real have an advantage in the recent head-to-heads between these two rivals as they have won three and drawn one of the last four encounters.
Los Blancos have also been the best away team in the Spanish top flight this season, taking 41 points on the road, some 10 clear of Barcelona who are next best.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team are also the top scorers in the division with 73, while Real striker Karim Benzema is 11 goals clear in the top goal-scorer standings.
However, goals seem likely at both ends of the pitch as both teams have found the net in 11 of Real Madrid’s 17 LaLiga away games and seven of their last nine in all competitions.
Predictions
Real Madrid may have secured the LaLiga title and will be preparing for the Champions League final but that doesn’t mean they will take their foot off the gas against their closest rivals.
Atletico have more to play for given the top-four implications but their form leaves a bit to be desired as they have won just one of their last four games in the league.
All in all, it seems set up for an intense, high-scoring clash.
Real may rotate somewhat from the team that got the better of Manchester City but they still have depth throughout their line-up, particularly in attacking areas.
To add to that, Atleti will be desperate to notch a first win over their rivals since 2018 and both teams look likely to find the net.
