Real Madrid are set to host city rivals Altético in a crucial match between the two teams atop the La Liga table.
The hosts are currently one point ahead of Atlético and are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Espanyol last week. A win would be massive for either side. Atlético could overtake their rivals at the top of the league, while a win for Real would give them more breathing room in the title race.
Real Madrid leads the head-to-head battle, with four wins in the last 10 meetings between the two teams. Atlético won three of those meetings, while the other three ended in a draw.
HAFLTIME: 0-1 — 3:54 p.m. EST
A frustrating half for Real Madrid sees the visitors lead after a controversial penalty decision goes Atlético’s way. Diego Simeone’s gameplan seems to be working for Atlético as they have been dangerous on the counterattack. Carlo Ancelotti has some thinking to do to get more out of his team. Real have failed to register a shot on target from seven efforts.
Free kick to Real Madrid — 3:53 p.m. EST
Lenglet commits a foul outside of the box. Valverde strikes it low, but his effort is blocked.
More danger down the Atlético left side — 3:48 p.m. EST
Galán shifts the ball onto his left foot, but his shot from inside the box goes over the bar.
Another counterattack for Atlético — 3:46 p.m. EST
Real Madrid leave themselves open at the back after pushing numbers forward in search for an equalizer. Griezmann finds Lino on the counterattack, but his shot is blocked. Atlético continue to look dangerous on the break and comfortable without the ball.
Chance for Álvarez — 3:44 p.m. EST
A lovely pass from De Paul gives Álvarez a chance to shoot from inside the box, but the Real defenders close him down and block the shot.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Atlético de Madrid — 3:39 p.m. EST
Julian Álvarez converts from the spot, chipping the ball down the middle of the goal as Courtois dives to his left.
Penalty awarded! — 3:38 p.m. EST
Boos ring around the Bernabeú as the referee points to the penalty spot. Álvarez will take the spot-kick.
VAR checks potential penalty — 3:37 p.m. EST
The referee heads to the monitor to review a potential penalty for Atlético. Real Madrid look furious that this is under consideration for a penalty, as they feel the challenge from Tchouameni on Lino was soft.
Barrios has an effort — 3:35 p.m. EST
The Atlético midfielder tries his luck from just outside the box, but the shot sails over the crossbar. Still no shots on target from either side.
Ceballos fires wide — 3:32 p.m. EST
Rodrygo and Vázquez exchange passes down the Madrid right side. The ball finds its way to Ceballos who hits it first-time from around 25 yards. Atlético continue to sit deep out of possesion as they absorb more pressure from Real Madrid.
Chance for Vinicius Jr. — 3:24 p.m. EST
Vinicius Jr. drives down the middle of the pitch and has a shot with his left foot, which rolls wide of the post. Best chance of the game as Atlético looked exposed on the counterattack.
Shot from Rodrygo goes over the bar — 3:21 p.m. EST
Rodrygo cuts inside onto his right foot and has a shot from outside of the box. Not enough to trouble Oblak.
Shot from Lino goes wide — 3:18 p.m. EST
Lino’s effort from 20 yards goes wide of the post.
Ceballos down for Real Madrid — 3:17 p.m. EST
Real midfielder Dani Ceballos hits the ground after putting in a heavy tackle. He looks to be okay after holding his shin. Play resumes.
Intricate play from Real Madrid — 3:13 p.m. EST
Tidy passes from Los Blancos on the edge of the Atlético box, but they fail to get a shot away.
Atlético on the attack — 3:09 p.m. EST
A chance for the visitors to punish a mistake from Vázquez goes begging as Lino plays a pass too far for Griezmann. Goal kick for Real Madrid.
Kickoff! The first half is underway — 3:05 p.m. EST
We are underway as Altético Madrid kick off.
Real Madrid honor club legend — 3:02 p.m. EST
Former Real Madrid defender Marcelo says his goodbyes to the Santiago Bernabeú crowd as the club honors him following his retirement announcement.
Lineups Announced — 2:00 p.m. EST
Real Madrid Starting XI: Courtois, Vázquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, García, Ceballas, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.
Atlético de Madrid Starting XI: Oblak, Giménez, Llorente, Lenglet, Galán, De Paul, Barrios, Lino, Giuliano, Griezmann, Alvarez
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