The last time Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid met was a couple weeks again in the Spanish Super Cup. The last time Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid met in a match that truly mattered was last May in the Champions League final in Lisbon. After coming within seconds of their first European Cup, Atléti allowed an equalizer in stoppage time and went on to melt down in extra time. While their first league title since 1996 was fantastic, the UCL Final probably left a bad taste in their mouths.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid live stream: How to watch La Liga online, TV schedule and more
These two city rivals play for the third time since their epic Champions League final clash in May, though this is the first time it really matters.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
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Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo is really good! SHOCKER! His absence and limited availability early in the season has clearly affected Los Blancos. Despite all the weapons -- Bale, James, Benzema, etc. -- there’s no player than can replicate Ronaldo’s impact on a match. His very presence causes problems for the defense, he could stand at the center line doing nothing and he’d still cause the opponents to adjust. If he’s finally healthy, which Carlo Ancelotti says he is, Real Madrid instantly become a better and more dangerous team. If he’s still not 100%, playing him, even in this big match, is extremely risky.
Key Matchup: The Spectre of Diego Simeone vs. Atléti’s Psyche
Some teams don’t need a manager on the touchline for anything other than the occasional tactical adjustment and substitution decision. Atlético Madrid are not that kind of team. Diego Simeone is as much a part of what is happening between the white lines as the 11 players inside of them. He stalks the touchline like a caged panther, ceaselessly looking for things than can be adjusted, constantly barking orders to his players. They feed off his energy. Thanks to his tirade during the Spanish Super Cup, he’s still not allowed back on the sidelines as he serves an eight match ban. Don’t underestimate how much that could mean at a key point of Saturday.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Sami Khedira (knee). In Doubt: Dani Carvajal (hamstring)
Athletic Bilbao injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Cristian Rodriguez (calf)
Real Madrid fullback Dani Carvajal missed Spain's Euro 2016 qualififer against Macedonia with a hamstring injury, leaving his status for the derby in doubt. If Ancelotti's first choice defender can't go, expect Álvaro Arbeloa to take over. Atléti's only post-international break concern is Cristian Rodriguez who injured his calf while playing for Uruguay.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. local, 2:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports, beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), beIN Sports (Canada), Canal+ 1/ HD/30 (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), beIN Sports CONNECT (Canada)
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