Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will contest a Madrid derby at Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, marking the first meeting between managers Jose Mourinho and Diego Simeone since their 2014 Champions League encounter when Mourinho managed Chelsea. The two previously faced off during Mourinho’s first tenure as Real Madrid manager in 2012 at Vicente Calderon Stadium, which Real won 4-1.
Real Madrid enter the match in second place in La Liga with 15 points from six games, level on points with Real Betis but six points behind leaders Barcelona. Atletico Madrid sit fourth with 13 points. Real Madrid recently defeated Elche 3-2, including a 91st-minute winner, while Atletico responded to consecutive defeats by securing back-to-back victories against Real Sociedad and Osasuna. The result at Metropolitano carries significance given Real’s recent struggles there, having won only two of their past 11 away matches at the venue, with their last league victory coming four years ago. Atletico also defeated Real 5-2 in the corresponding fixture last season.
Simeone highlighted Real’s strength in transition play as a primary concern, particularly the pace and attacking threat provided by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. He emphasized the importance of his team maintaining composure and avoiding turnovers that could lead to quick counterattacks. Atletico’s selection is complicated by Julian Alvarez’s ongoing muscle problem, though Simeone confirmed the forward would feature at some point, alongside recent signing Jonathan David who has scored in his last two appearances.
Mourinho acknowledged his team has not yet reached the level of control he seeks despite positive results, noting the ability to find late winners demonstrates character but indicating further improvement is needed. Both managers expressed mutual respect, with Simeone describing Mourinho as an admirer’s subject while Mourinho indicated willingness to speak positively about his counterpart.
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