Real Madrid cannot afford to drop many more points in this year’s La Liga, as Carlo Ancelotti’s troops try and chase down Barcelona for the title.
Real and Barca had mixed fortunes in European competition last week. Los Blancos beat Liverpool 5-2 in the final UEFA Champions League game at Anfield, while Barcelona were knocked out of the Europa League at the play-off stage by an inspired Manchester United.
But on home soil, it is Xavi’s side who have the upper hand. Barcelona leads the Spanish league with eight points after 22 games.
Real Madrid team news
David Alaba and Rodrygo have joined a growing injury list at Real Madrid, with veteran defender Nacho Fernandez and Marco Asensio set to fill in.
With a Copa del Rey semifinal against Barcelona on the horizon in the coming days, Ancelotti may also look to rest certain players, with Luka Modric potentially handed a break.
Atletico Madrid team news
Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul has been ruled out for Atletico, and Simeone could recall Geoffrey Kondogbia to bolster his midfield, alongside the versatile Saul Niguez.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): 13-Oblak (GK) — 16-Molina, 2-Gimenez, 22-Hermoso,. 23-Mandava — 14-Llorente, 6-Koke, 4-Kondogbia, 17-NIguez — 8-Griezmann, 10-Correa
