The Madrid Derby

Just as was the case last season in Spain’s La Liga, the two arch-rivals, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are once again emerging as the two strongest contenders for the title this season. Villarreal, who finished third last season, have not got off to a good start this season. Atlético Madrid, who lost third place to Villarreal, are aiming to catch up with and overtake the two giants this season. Real Betis and Sevilla have also made strong starts to the season. Defending champions Barcelona sit top of the table once again with 18 points from six matches. They are eagerly awaiting this week’s clash between the two Madrid sides at the Metropolitano, hoping their closest rivals will drop points once more. With Real Madrid on 15 points and Atlético Madrid on 13 ahead of the international break, both will play to win in order to prevent the gap from widening if they are to challenge for the title.

Will the Julian Álvarez crisis come to an end?

Atlético Madrid have been unable to benefit from Julian Álvarez – perhaps their most vital asset in the title race – this season due to the ongoing crisis and a minor injury. The situation appears to have eased somewhat following a promise that the release clause for the Argentine star striker – set at 500 million euros – would be reduced should he finish the season having scored 20 or more goals. Having recovered from his injury, Alvarez is expected to be in the matchday squad on Sunday. You’ll need to be there to witness the moment when an Alvarez-led Atlético take to the pitch at the Metropolitano, aiming to inflict a shock similar to the one Real Betis caused on Mourinho and his players

Atlético Madrid – Real Madrid match tickets

In the Madrid derby – one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the weekend’s European league fixtures – both teams spent the week playing and winning their midweek matches. Atlético had no trouble defeating Osasuna 4–0 at home. Real Madrid, meanwhile, went 2-0 up away at Elche only to be pegged back to 2-2, but – just as in their away match against Espanyol – Espi secured the three points for his side with a last-minute goal. Having won two of their three away matches thanks to Espi’s last-minute goals, whilst losing away to Betis, the Galacticos will be fighting tooth and nail to emerge unscathed from this massive clash. If you want to feel every second of this battle in your very bones, Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid match tickets are now available via Seatpin.