WHO: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Contents: Spain Lariga
Location: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
When: Saturday, February 7th, 9pm local time (20:00 GMT)
Follow Al Jazeera’s live text and match photo commentary stream.
Lariga leader Real Madrid entertained Atletico Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu’s Spanish capital derby on Saturday, with city rivals only one point behind the table.
Real lifted both Laliga and Champions League titles last season, and once again a favorite.
Prior to the meeting between the rivals next door, Al Jazeera takes a closer look at one of the biggest derbys of soccer in the world, both in terms of geography and league status.
How will the Real Madrid Fairing behave in the defense of the league and European crowns?
Despite his position at the top of the table, Madrid has begun the season, leading to speculation that this could be the manager Carlo Ancelotti’s responsibilities last season.
The Los Blancos were slammed 4-0 at Lariga by Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu in October, then lost 5-2 to a fierce rival from Catalonia in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Five losses and draws in 12 matches shook the early stages of the season, leaving the qualifying round from the Champions League league phase in one stage. The Ancelotti team recovered to reach the playoff position as they tried to reach the final 16, but they must face a team that was replaced as the winner of the Champions League in the next round of Manchester City last season. yeah.
The big weekend of the title race…
– Laliga English (@laligaen) February 7, 2025
Is Atletico’s challenge to Lariga and the Champions League unexpected?
Diego Simeone took over as manager in December 2011 and became an iconic figure at the helm of Atletico. Living in the shadow of the real thing was never easy, but Atletico always endured the test under the tough talk and effort leadership that was well known for receiving the kick that brought the red card of England’s David Beckham. It’s here. France 1998 World Cup.
This season began with a bumpy ride, just like Real, with Atletico winning only six of its first 14 games. It led to speculation that Simeone’s dream run, tied to her work in Chelsea and Tottenham in England, may finally be heading for decline.
Los Colchoneros quickly overturned momentum, then won 19 of their final 21 matches, including a 15-game winning streak, but lost only once in that time. As a result, Atletico was able to Nestletoe and finish fifth in the Champions League, and qualify directly as one of the top eights of the final 16. In the city of former Barcelona idol Pep Guardiola.
When did Atletico win Lariga?
Simeone led Atletico to the Lariga title from 2020 to 2021. The second title from 2020 to 2021 recorded the club’s first mark since 1976 to 1977, the previous title from 2013 to 2014. Los Colchoneros has won 11 titles in total.
How many times have you beaten Lariga?
Last season’s victory was the real-life record 36th league title. Barcelona is the closest challenger with 27 titles. Athletic Bilbao won eight, with Valencia being the last side to break a winning streak for Real, Barca and Athlecho, winning their sixth title from 2003 to 2004.
The goal contribution leaderboard is close…👀
Who will finish the season the most? pic.twitter.com/hddonnqjtb
– Laliga English (@laligaen) February 6, 2025
What is the controversy between Real Madrid and Lariga’s judgement?
Last weekend, Real Madrid dropped three points in a shocking defeat at Espanyol before sending a letter to the Spanish Football Federation, blowing up the Lariga referee as a “rig.”
Madrid remained furious after Espanyol defender Carlos Romero scaled down Killian Mbappe and avoided the red card before winning the winner.
Carlo Ancelotti left Mbappe from the team that defeated Leganes to beat the Leganes on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of Copa del Rey, saying the striker has a wounded calf.
The French superstar is likely to return to face Atletico for the first time since joining the Los Blancos. Mbappe missed a 1-1 draw in September at Metropolitano Stadium due to hamstring issues.
Madrid cut off the Leganes’ 3-2 acquisition.
“The team is in good condition. We’re leaving some players behind to prepare for Saturday,” Ancelotti said.
What did Athletico say about Real’s Laliga complaint?
Real’s vigorous complaints about the judgement are not noticed by the entire town.
“Can you help me with the nuance of the next verb? Atletico wrote in X’s sardonic message after a letter from Madrid.
Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann said he was unhappy with the situation, including the media’s focus on Madrid’s statement.
“Now the judges are afraid to make mistakes because they know they are being monitored,” the French forward told Movistar.
“We have to calm them down. They’re good enough in their hands, as they are on the pitch, and then there’s nothing stupid going on.”
Atletico himself hints at a referee bias in favour of Madrid. Most notably, the Los Blancos have their favours with a controversial call after defeating Celta Vigo in a Cup match in January.
“I didn’t watch yesterday’s game. They talked about what happened, like it’s been going on for 100 years. I don’t know why people are surprised,” said Diego Simeone of Atletico. The director said.
Who will play Barcelona this weekend?
Barcelona’s next match is aimed at putting pressure on the top two on Sunday, when the Catalans visited Sevilla.
Giuliano looks like the right player…👏❤️
His latest form in all comps. pic.twitter.com/zhuaxcxapw
– Laliga English (@laligaen) February 5, 2025
Real Madrid Team News
With Antonio Rudiger, Edder Militau, Dani Carbahal and David Alaba all on the sidelines, Real is plagued by a Derby, who is plagued by injuries issues in the rear.
Ancelotti will also need to decide whether to maintain the offensive quartet of Vinicius Junior, Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo or choose a more conservative setup.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Atletico’s only absence is defender Robin Le Normande, who is suspended after collecting five yellow cards.
Simeone joked that he “will arrive at Bernabeu the same way as usual.” [parking the] bus. “
With Alexander Sorlos, Griezmann, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa in the forwards recently, Rodrigo de Paul shines in the middle, so if Rogi Blancos chooses an offensive approach, they certainly have the firepower to dismantle the hosts. Masu. Giuliano Simeone, the son of the manager, has three goals and two assists from his final three games.
Head on
Atletico was unbeaten against Real in four derby matches at Lariga, three of which included a 1-1 draw, including the last two, and Atletico was 3-1 at home in September 2023. He was the winner.
Angel Correa levelled to Atletico’s 90 minutes with reverse fixes this season after Edder Militau gave him a real lead just before time. Marcos Llorente was also sent to the home side downtime.
Atletico’s final league victory comes from a 53-minute strike by a certain Antoine Griezmann who has returned since in September 2016 after going to Barcelona.
The Real recorded a 5-3 victory in the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico, but lost 4-2 in a match for Copa del Rey, pitted during the same campaign. Their final league victory came in at Atletico in September 2022, with a 2-1 victory and their final home league victory in December 2021, with a 2-0 victory.
The team also met in the 2014 Champions League final, winning 4-1 in Lisbon, Portugal. The sides were managed at the time by Ancelotti and Simeone.
