Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid this Saturday night in a blockbuster derby between the two bitter rivals in La Liga.
Real sit at the top of the league after 22 games but they’re only one point above Atletico, making this game an incredibly important one.
Diego Simeone’s side will be confident heading into this clash, having won their last three games in all competitions while scoring 11 goals.
Kylian Mbappe and co were beaten by Espanyol in their last La Liga game, opening the door for their rivals to potentially leapfrog them.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Awaiting a win
Jude Bellingham is still yet to win a league match against Atletico Madrid.
The England superstar has played in the derby five times in total since joining the club in June 2023, only winning one of them.
That victory came during extra-time in the Supercopa during his second season.
In La Liga, Bellingham has drawn two and lost one of three meetings.
He’s also never scored in a Madrid derby, so he’ll be hoping to change that this weekend to help his side maintain top spot.
His only goal contribution against Atletico came with an assist in their Copa Del Rey loss in January 2024.
The last two meetings between the two sides have ended 1-1 with Atletico scoring a last-gasp equaliser in both to earn themselves a point.
Angel Correa netted in the 95th minute earlier this season in the reverse fixture.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Team news
Bellingham missed Real Madrid’s last game against Leganes with a knock but he’s expected to feature in the huge derby.
Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will be part of the front three at the Bernabeu as the Frenchman makes his first derby appearance.
Eduardo Camavinga is going to miss out with an injury along with Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.
As for Atletico Madrid, former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher will be coming up against international teammate Bellingham.
Robin Le Normand is suspended after reaching the booking threshold last time out.
Simeone’s son, Guiliano, has been in fine form and is likely to start on the right.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: What has been said?
Mbappe has been speaking about making his derby debut.
“It’s going to be a great match and it’s very important,” Mbappe said.
“This is the first time I’m going to play in this match. I’m looking forward to playing and helping the team, and I hope we can win.”
He continued: “I always aim to play to win. I’m sure it’s going to be a very important match for us and for all Madridistas. The objective is always the same, to win.
“Even more so when we’re playing against Atlético with the situation we are in in the league, they’re close to us.
“We have to win and we’ll do everything to do so.”
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: How to follow
This La Liga clash will take place on Saturday, February 8.
Kick-off at the Bernabeu is scheduled for 8pm UK time.
The game will be broadcast live on Premier Sports and La Liga TV.
Fans can find out how to sign up to Premier Sports here.
talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the latest.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.