Real Madrid sit top of La Liga with a perfect record of six wins from six matches

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid clash in the highly anticipated Madrid derby on Saturday, as two contrasting sides meet at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Real Madrid sit top of La Liga with a perfect record of six wins from six matches, while Atletico Madrid are struggling in ninth position with just two wins from their first five games.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Diego Simeone’s squad received a significant morale boost with Julian Alvarez’s spectacular hat-trick performance in Wednesday’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Rayo Vallecano. The Argentine striker’s heroics, culminating in an 88th-minute winner from the edge of the box, marked only Atletico’s second league victory of the campaign and silenced critics who had questioned his form after a penalty miss against Mallorca.

Simeone praised his star forward, declaring: “Julian is the best player we have. We need to take care of him, make sure that he is here for many years at Atleti. He has to help us, and we have to help him, so that he may be even better than he already is”.

Alexander Sorloth was suspended after receiving a red card as a substitute in the previous match against Mallorca. The Norwegian will be available against Real Madrid.

Jose Gimenez remains sidelined with a muscle injury expected to keep him out until early October, while Johnny Cardoso is also unavailable due to an ankle problem. Thiago Almada continues his recovery from muscle issues sustained on international duty.

There’s better news, though, on Alex Baena, who has returned to full fitness after overcoming appendicitis surgery and muscle problems. The coach’s son, Giuliano Simeone, impressed in the Rayo victory and could feature prominently in the derby.

Real Madrid Team News

Xabi Alonso’s side has been dealt significant injury blows in defence ahead of the derby. Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered during the Champions League match against Marseille. The England international’s absence leaves Real Madrid short of natural right-back options.

Antonio Rudiger faces approximately three months on the sidelines due to a muscular problem sustained during the September international break. Ferland Mendy remains unavailable with a thigh injury that ended his 2024/25 campaign.

On a positive note, Jude Bellingham has returned to full training and is expected to be available for the derby, though he may not start immediately after his shoulder surgery recovery. Eduardo Camavinga is also back in contention after recent fitness concerns.

Both played a part in the last two matches against Espanyol and Levante as they came on to the pitch late as substitutes, which hints at Xabi Alonso’s cautious approach with the players.