Predrag Mijatovic, former Real Madrid director.
Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
The Madrid derby is rarely a game that follows the script, and Pedja Mijatovic believes that makes Sunday’s meeting between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid particularly difficult to assess.
Speaking on El Larguero, the former Real Madrid striker refused to make a strong prediction about the outcome while pointing to the fixture as an important test of where José Mourinho’s side currently stands.
“The derby is always a match where you can’t predict what might happen.”
Mijatovic added, “This match is like a general test of how far we can go.”
The former striker’s comments come as Real Madrid head into the derby in strong need of clarity, particularly over how their midfield functions against Atlético’s intensity.
Mijatovic still sees a creative gap in midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid player
Tchouameni lacks the creative spark. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
For Mijatovic, the issue is not just about individual quality, as he believes Real Madrid have yet to replace the specific creative influence they enjoyed for years through Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
The change in midfield has been significant, with Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga offering different strengths.
Jude Bellingham brings another attacking dimension, while Arda Guler has emerged as one of the squad’s most technically gifted players.
Even so, Mijatovic does not see any of them as the type of midfielder he believes Madrid are missing.
Federico Valverde, Real Madrid player
Valverde comes with a same problem. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“After so many years watching Kroos and Modric, perhaps we’re looking for something similar in other players, and clearly they can’t provide it.
“I still lack a pure creative player, one who takes responsibility for making the whole team play.
“Neither Valverde, nor Tchouameni, nor Camavinga are these types of players.
“Guler has immense quality, but he plays further up the pitch, and Bellingham has a great knack for getting forward, but he’s neither Modric nor Kroos. I’m still missing this type of player,” he concluded.
Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid player
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Atletico Madrid appear set to have Julian Alvarez available for the first Madrid derby of the 2026/27 season, giving Diego Simeone another attacking option ahead of the meeting with Real Madrid.
The Argentine has missed Atletico’s last two matches after suffering a minor muscle strain during the Champions League clash with Liverpool.
He subsequently sat out the games against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, but his recovery has progressed well enough for the club to feel increasingly confident about his chances of featuring against Real Madrid.
Alvarez steps up recovery ahead of derby
According to AS, Alvarez trained at a very good pace alongside Atletico’s physiotherapists on Thursday morning, with his progress providing encouragement inside the club.
Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid player
Julian Alvarez will be available against Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Unless there is a late setback, the 2026 Madrid derby should come too soon for him to be considered a guaranteed starter.
Even so, Simeone could have Alvarez available from the bench, which would give Atletico another proven attacking threat for the closing stages.
Meanwhile, his absence has also created a genuine battle for places in the Atletico starting XI.
The players who have stepped in during his absence have given Simeone another selection dilemma, meaning Alvarez’s return does not automatically guarantee his place from the opening whistle.
Real Madrid also close to full strength
Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid player
Alvarez is unlikely to start against Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid, meanwhile, head into the derby with a relatively clean injury list. Jose Mourinho’s only unavailable players are Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy, all of whom remain sidelined.
Mourinho made some changes during the midweek fixture, with Trent Alexander-Arnold among those given a start.
That rotation was useful with the derby approaching, but Real Madrid are expected to return to their strongest available XI at the Metropolitano.
The derby therefore looks set to feature two sides with most of their key players available, although Atletico’s decision over Alvarez could become one of the most interesting selection calls of the weekend.