Sept 27, V7N- Reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid head into Sunday’s La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid with an impressive unbeaten streak of 39 matches in the league, except when facing their city rivals. Atletico Madrid handed Real their only two league defeats last season and knocked them out of the Copa del Rey in January 2024.

Real Madrid will be without star signing Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, but have a host of attacking talents, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Ancelotti may also opt to deploy Luka Modric in a more midfield-focused 4-4-2 formation to counter Atletico's strengths. Madrid have won five consecutive matches across all competitions after a slow start, but they sit second, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.

Atletico, meanwhile, come into the clash with renewed confidence after Julian Alvarez's late goal secured a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Diego Simeone’s side will be looking to replicate last season's success against their rivals as they sit just two points behind Madrid in the standings.

Key Player to Watch:

Aimar Oroz (Osasuna) – The 22-year-old midfielder will be crucial for Osasuna in their attempt to upset Barcelona’s perfect league record on Saturday.

Key Stats:

Aurelien Tchouameni leads the league with 14 interceptions for Real Madrid.

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has been fouled 21 times, the most in La Liga.

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has made 27 saves, more than any other keeper.

La Liga Fixtures:

Friday: Valladolid v Mallorca (1900)

Saturday: Getafe v Alaves (1200), Rayo Vallecano v Leganes (1415), Real Sociedad v Valencia (1630), Osasuna v Barcelona (1900)

Sunday: Celta Vigo v Girona (1200), Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla (1415), Real Betis v Espanyol (1630), Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid (1900)

Monday: Vill

arreal v Las Palmas (1900)

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