These are the key battles to look out for in this Sunday’s clash between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid.
Having won their respective home duels last weekend, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid are gearing up for Matchday 29, which features the derby of the Spanish capital. Expected to be decided by fine margins, the upcoming clash between the second-placed Los Blancos and third-placed Los Rojiblancos will be shaped by several crucial duels which may determine the outcome. Here, then, comes a look at the five duels which are expected to decide Sunday’s ELDERBI DE MADRID. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Courtois vs Sørloth
No Atlético de Madrid player has scored more league goals than Alexander Sørloth (10) so far this season. Having netted six times in LALIGA EA SPORTS and four times in the Champions League since the turn of the year, the Norway international has enjoyed a strong run of form in 2026. Sørloth has recorded six goals in his last seven games against Real Madrid and will look to add to his tally in the upcoming derby against Zamora Trophy front-runner Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper may have kept a league joint-high 11 clean sheets, but he will aim to make amends after conceding five goals in the first game between the two teams back in September. Seeking his first clean sheet in 10 games against Real Madrid’s cross-city rivals across all competitions, Courtois will hope to play his role in containing Atlético de Madrid’s centre-forward.
Valverde vs Cardoso
There is practically no stopping Fede Valverde in recent weeks. The Real Madrid midfielder has pulled off some extraordinary performances in both LALIGA EA SPORTS and in Europe, inspiring his team to some crucial victories. Having bagged six goals and three assists in his last nine appearances in all competitions, Valverde is arguably the most in-form player heading into ELDERBI DE MADRID. Atlético de Madrid will look to neutralise the Uruguay international and Johnny Cardoso could prove key to stopping him. Injuries prevented Atleti’s summer signing from hitting the ground running this season, but Cardoso has managed to rediscover his form, earning a starting spot in crucial games against FC Barcelona, Club Brugge and Tottenham Hotspur. On Sunday, he may have the opportunity to showcase his skillset against one of the finest midfields in Europe and stopping Valverde will be one of his main tasks.
Lookman vs Alexander-Arnold
Considered one of, if not the best, LALIGA EA SPORTS signing of the January transfer window, Ademola Lookman has been a breath of fresh air for Los Rojiblancos. The 28-year-old forward needed practically no time to adapt to his new surroundings after joining from Atalanta, making an instant impact upon his arrival. Having recorded four goals and two assists in all competitions, he will be looking forward for his first ELDERBI DE MADRID, which could set up a duel against Trent Alexander-Arnold – another potential derby debutant. A couple of injuries have held England international back from showing his full potential this season, turning the upcoming clash into a first-class opportunity to kickstart his career at Los Blancos. Derbies are often settled by the smallest of margins and this on-pitch battle between winger and full-back could tip the balance in Sunday’s affair.
Vinícius vs his derby goal drought
Odd as it may sound, Vinícius has not managed to score a single league goal against Atlético de Madrid. In fact, the Brazil international has only netted once in 19 official games against Los Rojiblancos, and he has yet to find the back of the net in 12 LALIGA EA SPORTS derbies since joining the team back in 2018. Only Kylian Mbappé (23) has amassed more league goals than Vinícius (nine) so far this season for Real Madrid, with the 25-year-old looking to take his scoring tally to double digits for the fifth consecutive campaign. And what a better way to reach this milestone than by scoring his first-ever goal in a league derby.
Simeone vs the Bernabéu
Diego Simeone has not celebrated a single victory away at Real Madrid in the last decade. In fact, the Argentinian coach has seen his team register six defeats and as many draws across all competitions in their last 12 visits to the Bernabéu. The last time he led Atlético de Madrid to a win at Los Blancos was back in late February 2016, with Antoine Griezmann scoring the winner in the opening stages of the second half. In now remains to be seen if Simeone can break the curse and double his league wins against Real Madrid this term.
