Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, February 8th, at 21:00 CET as they look to extend their lead atop the La Liga standings on matchday 23.
The Whites will also look for bragging rights over Diego Simeone’s men in the second Madrid Derby of the campaign after the first game of the campaign at the Wanda Metropolitano ended in a 1-1 draw.
That particular clash away from home saw the Whites take a 1-0 lead through Eder Militao in the second half but their failure in killing the game off saw their rivals equalise through Angel Correa deep into stoppage time.
This time, however, there is a lot at stake as Carlo Ancelotti’s side can go four points clear in the league table and emerge into a comfortable position to defend their crown.
Real Madrid have been bolstered by the return of Eduardo Camavinga into their matchday roster, while Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are also back into the fray having been rested in the previous encounter against Leganes in the Copa del Rey.
Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Eder Militao remain absent though as their recovery from injuries continues, thus leaving the backline severely understaffed.
As far as the team news for Atletico Madrid goes, they are set to be without Robin Le Normand, who is suspended, while both, Rodrigo Riquelme and Thomas Lemar, are doubtful.
The visitors for Saturday’s Madrid Derby are on a winning run of three matches in all competitions and have not lost in any of their last last five games. They are also the league’s strongest defence with only 14 goals conceded.
Real Madrid have a strong record against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu and have not lost against them at home in any competition since February 2016, when an Antoine Griezmann goal made the difference.
The last two times Los Rojiblancos have come to the Bernabeu, they have gone away with a point and that will be a run that a beleaguered Real Madrid side will look to snap.
It is important to note that the Whites are just a point clear at the top of La Liga after losing to Espanyol last weekend.
One of the players who could make the difference for the hosts is Kylian Mbappe, who will play in a Madrid Derby for the maiden time having missed the reverse fixture due to injury. The French international has 15 goals to his name in the Spanish top-flight this season, alongside two assists.
