Real Madrid take on Atletico de Madrid for the third time in less than a month and tonight’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu could be key in Los Blancos’ title hopes.
Title rivals Barcelona and La Liga champions Atletico won’t lose too many games over the course of the campaign, and Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already lose one – the shock 4-2 defeat at Real Sociedad two weeks ago when they shipped four goals having held a two goal lead.
Los Rojiblancos have already beaten Los Blancos this season, seeing them off in the Spanish Supercopa, but they still carry painful memories of their Champions League final defeat in May so this will be another close-fought encounter.
Diego Simeone’s men started the campaign with a win over Elche and a draw away at Rayo Vallecano and will want to kick on too after the international break.
In terms of team news, Ancelotti has a decision to make in the absence of Daniel Carvajal. Alvaro Arbeloa would be the natural choice, but Sergio Ramos could be shifted to full back to deal with Atletico’s physical style and Varane come in to the centre. Cristiano Ronaldo is fit following a three week break from the game. New signing Chicharito could make his debut.
Possible Line-ups:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema
Atletico de Madrid: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siquiera; Gabi, Suarez; Garcia, Griezmann, Koke; Mandzukic
Carlo Anceloti have to be sark, he has done all his best.