Bitter rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lock horns this weekend for a top-of-the-table clash at the Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti’s league leaders hold a precious one-point advantage but crashed to a shock defeat to Espanyol in their last La Liga outing – handing Diego Simeone’s title-chasers the chance to leapfrog the champions on Saturday night. Atletico have had the upperhand against Los Blancos in recent times too, losing just one of their previous five meetings. Incredibly, England superstar Jude Bellingham has yet to win a Madrid derby in the league since moving to Spain two years ago, an unwanted record the 21-year-old will be determined to set straight.
Undoubtedly the biggest fixture in Europe this weekend, Record Sport brings you everything you need to know ahead of the mouthwatering showdown.
When is Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid?
Real Madrid take on city rivals Atletico on Saturday February 8. The La Liga showdown will take place at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Kick-off is at 8pm UK time.
Is Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid on TV?
It is indeed. The derby will be screened by Premier Sports. Coverage begins at 7:55pm on Premier Sports 1 and will also be shown on Premier Sports 2 after Celtic’s Scottish Cup clash with Raith Rovers. The programme lasts until 10pm.
Is there a Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid live stream?
Yes. Subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the Premier Sports app or on the channel’s website. Those looking to sign-up can do so for a monthly fee starting at £10.99. You can also watch the match on La Liga TV.
Referee and VAR
The headlines in Spain have been dominated by the bitter fallout from two refereeing decisions that Real Madrid branded “inexplicable” and “exceeding any margin for human error or refereeing interpretation”. Real were furious after Carlos Romero scored the winner in last week’s defeat at Espanyol, having earlier escaped a red card for a crunching tackle on Kylian Mbappe that the defender later confessed was “ugly”.
Los Blancos chiefs then filed a formal complaint scathing about the referee and VAR official, demanding that VAR audio recordings be released. That provoked the fury of La Liga president Javier Tebas, who astonishingly claimed the club had “lost their minds” and “have constructed a narrative of victimhood that is not true”.
And while Madrid and La Liga are at word, the spotlight will be on whistler César Soto Grado, who has been tasked with keeping a lid on this weekend’s explosive Madrid derby. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea is on VAR duties.
Team news
Real Madrid have been handed a triple injury boost ahead of the box-office derby with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez all expected to be available after missing the midweek Copa del Rey win at Leganes. It remains to be seen whether Eduardo Camavinga will be deemed fit as he recovers from a hamstring issue. However, Antonio Rudiger remains out of action alongside long-term crocks Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal.
As for Atletico, aside from Robin Le Normand serving his suspension, Diego Simeone has a relatively full squad to choose from.