Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid are one of Spain’s historic giants, and the consequence of being around for as long as they have is the inevitable rivalries that appear over time.
There are stadiums around Spain where Los Blancos expect hostility. Then there are stadiums where that hostility starts developing into a pattern. In recent years, the Metropolitano has increasingly become the latter.
Madrid head into today’s derby against Atletico having won only one of their last seven La Liga visits to the Metropolitano.
That solitary victory came back in September 2022. It is an uncomfortable record for a club that normally prides itself on travelling anywhere without changing its expectations.
The Metropolitano curse is becoming difficult to ignore
Atletico are strong at home, the atmosphere is hostile and Diego Simeone’s teams know exactly how to turn these games into physical, emotional contests.
A one-off loss to them can be explained away. Seven league visits begin to tell a different story about Madrid, though.
Madrid have too often allowed Atletico to dictate and play the derby to their liking by being too passive on their trips to the stadium.
Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Metropolitano has been a bogey ground for Real Madrid in recent seasons. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
That is the pattern Jose Mourinho has to attack and try to conquer later today. The Portuguese manager understands such games better than anyone else.
His teams have historically been comfortable when matches become confrontational and tactically ugly.
He spoke before today’s game about derbies carrying history, culture and passion, while also stressing that ultimately there are three points at stake.
His players need to understand that balance.
This Madrid team cannot afford another passive derby
Mourinho’s team arrive with five victories from six La Liga matches, 17 league goals and plenty of attacking firepower, but there have been warning signs.
Atletico, meanwhile, are unbeaten at the Metropolitano this season. The concern is Madrid’s tendency to lose control during matches.
Their second-half performances have been particularly unstable recently, something that becomes far more dangerous at a stadium where Atletico feed off momentum and the crowd.
This makes Mourinho’s team selection extremely crucial. Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde can give Madrid the physical base required.
However, Los Blancos also need someone capable of controlling the game, and this is where Arda Guler could make a lot of sense.
The temptation at the Metropolitano is always to prepare for battle. Madrid should prepare to play football.
Today is about changing the narrative
This is only September. Losing would not decide the league, and winning would not suddenly make Madrid champions.
However, some matches carry significance beyond just the table, and a trip to the Metropolitano has become one such encounter for Los Blancos.
Arda Guler and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
The onus is on Jose Mourinho to set the record straight against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Madrid have spent too many recent league visits leaving with frustration. It is bound to have a psychological consequence.
Today’s derby is therefore an opportunity for Mourinho’s new Madrid to establish something important about itself.
Starting with a clean slate should help to an extent, but it is also important to remember that the scars of the past remain.
For a club of Madrid’s stature, a record of one league win in seven almost feels like an aberration, and it is time for Mourinho and company to set the record straight later today.
Bellingham, Guler start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Atletico Madrid
Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler of Real Madrid
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Real Madrid will face their toughest test of the season so far on Sunday as they take on Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Matchday 7 of La Liga.
The Merengues head into the game with five wins in six league outings, seated second in the standings behind FC Barcelona, who have won six in six so far.
Real Madrid’s latest game ended in a 3-2 win over Elche, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from new signing Carlos Espi.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are fourth in the standings, with 13 points from six games, and head into the derby on the back of consecutive 3-0 victories over Real Sociedad and CA Osasuna.
Los Blancos have not enjoyed the best of record on their visit to the Metropolitano in La Liga in recent years, and Jose Mourinho will be keen on bucking that trend and picking up all three points heading into the international break.
Leading up to the derby, Real Madrid continue to be without three players in Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy.
Having made a few changes to the lineup for the trip to Elche, here’s how Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team against Atletico tomorrow.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid and will be in for a hostile reception as is the case every time he plays at the Metropolitano.
Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid
Denzel Dumfries should start at right-back. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, at right-back, summer arrival Denzel Dumfries is expected to come into the side, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, having won the battle for the first-choice right-back.
On the opposite side, World Cup winner Marc Cucurella is likely to continue ahead of Alvaro Carreras, despite the latter impressing on his last start against Rayo Vallecano.
Dean Huijsen, back into the Spain squad after missing the World Cup, will pair up with Ibrahima Konate at centre-back.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni made his first start of the new season against Elche, having fully recovered from his injury.
The Frenchman is seen as an integral player by Mourinho and his staff in order to provide balance and stability to the team. As such, he is expected to feature from the get-go again in the derby.
Partnering Tchouameni in the centre of the park will be club captain Federico Valverde, who has been a permanent fixture in the team under the new manager.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
Bellingham expected to return. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
As far as the attacking midfield role is concerned, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the lineup after being rested by Mourinho against Elche. The England international has made a brilliant start to the season and will be key for Real Madrid to come out on top in the derby.
Attack
As for the attacking unit, there will be a change on the right flank with new signing Yan Diomande expected to drop out of the team after back-to-back starts.
Instead, Arda Guler, who has excelled under Mourinho this term, will take up the position, from where he will look to create chances for his fellow attackers.
Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack for Real Madrid, while Vinicius Jr. will take up his usual place on the left wing. The Brazilian will need to step up after a few underwhelming displays so far.