First place in La Liga is on the line when Real Madrid takes on Atlético Madrid in the highly anticipated second Madrid derby of the season. After stumbling against Espanyol last weekend, Real Madrid enters the derby just one point above Atlético Madrid in the La Liga standings. To regain control of the title race, Los Blancos must do something only two other Spanish teams have accomplished this season—claim all three points against Diego Simeone's men.
The last time these fierce rivals clashed, they each settled for a 1–1 draw. Now, Real Madrid will be aiming for a more favorable result, but they face significant defensive challenges. Star defenders Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão are all sidelined due to injuries, leaving the defending Spanish champions without any experienced center backs. Youngster Raúl Asencio, who made the leap from Real Madrid Castilla, will be under intense pressure to lead the backline against the city rivals.
Despite these challenges, Real Madrid has received some positive news just before the match. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is back from his hamstring injury and available for selection. Similarly, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, both pivotal players for the team, are ready to return after missing the midweek Copa del Rey match against Leganes.
The predicted lineup for Real Madrid against Atlético Madrid could see them set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- GK: Thibaut Courtois—The goalkeeper was at the center of controversy during the last Madrid derby, but he will be thankful to have Madridistas behind him this time.
- RB: Lucas Vázquez—Vázquez gets the nod on the right flank after recovering from injury.
- CB: Raúl Asencio—The 21-year-old is the only natural center back with La Liga experience available to Ancelotti.
- CB: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The Frenchman will step up to fill the gap as center back, though it is not his natural position.
- LB: Ferland Mendy—Despite Fran García's rotation slot, Mendy has traditionally been favored for more defensive setups.
- DM: Fede Valverde—Valverde is expected to contribute heavily to midfield dynamics, particularly against the sturdy Atlético side.
- DM: Dani Ceballos—Ceballos returns to the lineup after limited appearances recently.
- RW: Rodrygo—Riding high with five goals and three assists across his last six games, he could be pivotal.
- AM: Jude Bellingham—Bellingham looks to make his mark against Atlético, seeking his first goal against them.
- LW: Vinícius Júnior—The winger aims to break his goal drought against Real Madrid’s rivals, having not scored since November 9.
- ST: Kylian Mbappé—Set to lead the line, this will be his first-ever Madrid derby after overcoming injury.
Meanwhile, Jesús Vallejo finds himself on the periphery as Carlo Ancelotti wrestles with the defensive crisis. Vallejo, who played sparingly due to previous defensive errors, has struggled to earn the coach's trust. He even took to social media with the message: "and we keep training," hinting at his desire to be included.
The overall climate within the Santiago Bernabéu is one of urgency and attention as the derby approaches. Ancelotti's choices will be under the spotlight, especially with such thin defensive resources. The match against Atlético not only holds significance for Madrid's title ambitions but also could be pivotal for the future of several players whose positions are under examination.
With both teams fully aware of the stakes, fans can expect high intensity and drama, making this Madrid derby one to watch. Regardless of injuries, the rivalry promises fierce competition as the city rivals battle for supremacy on the pitch.