The Madrid derby returns with more at stake than pride. Atletico Madrid, under pressure after a mixed start, welcome a flawless Real Madrid side chasing a seventh straight league win. For Diego Simeone, it is about belief and grit. For Xabi Alonso, it is about extending dominance with a squad firing on all cylinders.

Atletico snatched a 3-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano midweek thanks to Julián Álvarez’s late heroics, but defensive cracks remain. Simeone knows his team must be sharper, especially against Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius. “We will have a really hard, difficult game against a side that has been winning all their games and who have a tonne of very good players in their squad,” the Argentine admitted. Yet, he remains clear on the jewel in his team. “Julián Álvarez is the best player we have, we need to take care of him and keep him for many years at Atlético.”

Real Madrid, meanwhile, looks unstoppable. 6 wins from 6 in La Liga and a Champions League victory over Marseille mark a perfect start under Alonso. Mbappé has been ruthless with 9 goals already this season, but Alonso’s focus spreads wider. “Franco Mastantuono has so many qualities. His personality, how competitive he is, his fire and energy, it's fundamental to his team. I’m so glad we signed him and we’ll enjoy his talents for a long time.” On Vinícius, Alonso was just as clear: “Vini is key for us. I liked the things he did the other day, I like seeing him smile.”

History adds a twist: Los Blancos have not beaten Atletico in La Liga since 2022, and away wins in this fixture remain rare. Alonso, though, is not weighed down by that record. “The last three La Liga derbies ended 1-1? I haven’t watched those games because Atletico have a different squad. They have new good players.”

This match promises to be an all-timer and we will be there!..

🔹 Kylian Mbappe: The most lethal forward in Europe right now 

🔹 Julian Alvarez: In form and Atletico’s biggest attacking hope 

🔹 Vinicius Junior: Always a menace in derby fixtures 

🔹 Diego Simeone: Counting on grit, Alvarez, and the Metropolitano’s roar 

🔹 Xabi Alonso: Perfect start, but still seeking his first La Liga derby win 

💵 Atletico Madrid to win: 3.02 
💵 Real Madrid to win: 2.26 
💵 Draw: 3.64 
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.69 
💵 Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer: 2.26 
💵 Álvarez Anytime Goalscorer: 3.00 

Real Madrid arrive in form and full of goals, but Atletico’s resilience in derby clashes cannot be ignored. For Simeone, it is about holding the line and trusting Alvarez. For Mbappe, it is about stamping his authority on one of Spain’s biggest domestic battles. As Alonso put it, “Derbies are special… you feel it in the city and the community.” The capital will once again belong to whoever bends the night their way.