Real Madrid, champions of Spain and Europe, have been imperious in 2024 except when they have troublesome encounters with their local rivals Atletico. Los Blancos were beaten only by Atletico twice last season and one of those was a Copa del Rey loss in January 2024. The Rojiblancos were also the last side to beat Madrid in La Liga and the current Carlo Ancelotti’s side has not been beaten in the last 39 La Liga games.
But Los Blancos will have their first major absentee of the season for the next La Liga clash as French striker Keylor Mbappe will be out of action due to the thigh problem he aggravated during midweek against Alavard. Even without Mbappe in their ranks, Madrid still has one of the most potent attacks in La Liga, which is led by the youngster Vinicius Junior who has been on the receiving end of Mourinho-like chants from the Atletico faithful. Jude Bellingham could also be used in a more attacking role and teenager striker Endrick after coming from the bench played an excellent game.
Ancelotti might also ponder returning to a 4-4-2 to beef up the middle of the park adding one or Luka Modric to shut down Atletico. Madrid has struggled against the teams outside the top four at the start of the season, having a draw with Mallorca in the second round and Las Palmas in the third round, and then has five successive three across the championship games. ‘’We are progressing and that is good because we have a very tight programme ahead ’’ said Ancelotti. ”This is something that we would like to continue when playing Sunday’s game which will not be a walk in the park.
Barcelona is four points ahead of the second-ranked Real Madrid at the moment. Atletico Madrid are two points behind Los Blancos after a late 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo, thanks to Julian Alvarez’s first-half goal. Starting in the derby in, Alvarez is one of Diego Simeone’s versatile forwards for the team. Simeone trusts the hydrographic player and defines him as a PCI that increases the options available:
Osasuna’s player to tip for the match is the midfielder Oroz Aimar who will play an important role in ensuring his team beats Barcelona this Saturday hacking their perfect record. Oroz, 22 years of age, offers a compelling goal threat and liveliness in midfield where he will operate against Barcelona alongside Croatian forward Ante Budimir.
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