Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: Yan Diomande faces Metropolitano test in Madrid derby

Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon in the headline fixture of the Spanish league, with the visitors aiming to maintain pressure on leaders and defending champions FC Barcelona.

Real Madrid are second in La Liga on 15 points, three behind Barcelona, while Atletico sit fourth with 13 points. The two sides meet with both looking to strengthen their position before a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico have recorded four wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening six league matches. They endured a difficult start to September, losing 3-0 to Athletic Bilbao before a 2-1 Champions League defeat by Liverpool at Anfield.

The Colchoneros responded emphatically, beating Real Sociedad 3-0 before producing a 4-0 victory over Osasuna in their most recent league match.

Atletico will remember losing 3-2 to Real Madrid in their last meeting in March, although they claimed a spectacular 5-2 home victory over their city rivals last season. They finished fourth last term, 25 points behind Barcelona, and were unable to mount a serious title challenge.

Real Madrid travel after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Elche. Jose Mourinho’s side appeared to be heading for a 2-2 draw before Carlos Espi scored in added time to secure victory.

The Merengues had previously been beaten 1-0 by Real Betis at the start of the month, but recovered with a win over Inter Milan in Europe and successive domestic victories against Rayo Vallecano and Elche.

Still chasing Barcelona, Real Madrid know the importance of this derby before meetings with Villarreal and AS Roma in the Champions League on 14 October. Their performances have not yet reached full fluency, but they are targeting a 126th historic victory over Atletico.

Atletico may have to assess Julian Alvarez, Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth shortly before kick-off after all three suffered muscle problems. Alvarez has missed the past two matches and may only be fit enough for a place on the bench. Jonathan David, who scored against Osasuna, is expected to lead the attack, with Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena also pushing to start.

For Real Madrid, Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are ruled out with muscle, knee and hip injuries respectively. Denzel Dumfries is expected to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Jude Bellingham should return to the starting XI. Bernardo Silva is competing for a midfield place, but Mourinho is expected to select Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Federico Valverde.

Yan Diomande, who joined from RB Leipzig for a substantial fee this summer, is gradually settling in. The 19-year-old Ivorian winger provided his first assist in his recent start against Elche and could offer a significant threat from the bench. Vinicius Junior, who has scored one goal this season, is expected to retain his place on the left.

With both teams in strong form, a draw would not be surprising. However, Real Madrid’s experience, attacking efficiency and greater squad depth could prove decisive, with a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors predicted.

Probable Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak; Llorente, Romero, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Lee, Koke, Cardoso, Baena; David, Lookman.

Probable Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.