Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have both slipped up more than once to start this season, but neither is out of the La Liga title race. With Barcelona struggling just as much and without Lionel Messi for the next two months, these teams have an opportunity to establish themselves as the title favorites. It starts with a Madrid derby against each other on Sunday.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch La Liga online
The Madrid Derby could determine a title favorite.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Atléti have been caught looking ahead a bit, losing their last two matches. They fell to current table-toppers Villarreal in the league last week, then fell to Benfica in the Champions League. That European loss was a bit unlucky, however, with Benfica scoring their only chances and Atléti struggling with their finishing, despite spectacular play between the boxes.
Los Merengues had a similar issue in a 0-0 draw against Málaga last week. They were by far the superior team and easily did enough to win, but the ball just wouldn’t go in the back of the net for them. Madrid rebounded in Champions League, winning away to Malmö.
When they last met
Last season, Atléti had Real Madrid’s number. They won the Spanish Super Cup against Los Mernegues, then won both league contests and knocked them out of the Copa del Rey. However, Real Madrid finally got the better of Los Rojiblancos at the end of the season, defeating them in the Champions League knockout stages.
Key player: Antoine Griezmann
Atléti’s superstar second striker is going to need to make the most of transition opportunities for his team. He’ll drop between the most advanced forward and his team’s midfield when they win the ball, and he’ll be the man responsible for making sure their counter is successful. They’ll have less of the ball than Real Madrid by design, and they’re trusting Griezmann to make the most of limited opportunities.
Atlético Madrid team injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Koke (hamstring).
Real Madrid team injuries and suspensions
Out: Danilo (foot), Pepe (leg). In doubt: James Rodriguez (thigh).
Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema have all suffered from minor injuries recently, but they're all expected to be healthy for this one. However, there's still a doubt over whether or not James Rodriguez will be fit enough to play a part.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderon, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. and Canada - Spanish), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), Canal+, Abono, Movistar (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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