Real Madrid will travel to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium to face Atletico Madrid for the first Madrid Derby of the season. Atletico Madrid are currently in seventh place in the La Liga standings and have been inconsistent so far this season. The home side played out a 1-1 draw against Lazio this week but would like to pick a win against their fierce winner.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are sitting in the 3rd spot of the league table at the moment and have been in impressive form this season. Los Blancos edged Union Berlin to a 1-0 victory in their previous game in the UCL and will look to achieve a similar result this weekend to reclaim the top spot. Barcelona reached the top after a comeback victory against Celta Vigo while Girona moved to second place after a huge win against Mallorca.

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Real Madrid are in the third spot with 15 points in their 5 games while Barcelona and Girona have already played this week's games and they are sitting in the top two with 16 points in 6 matches. Los Blancos would like to take their spot back with a convincing win against Atletico Madrid.

Atletico also need a win to get their momentum back and get themselves on the way alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title charge. They were very poor against Valencia in their last La Liga game and will be very eager to get something from the match.

Match Details:

• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Stadium: Civitas Metropolitan Stadium
• Date: Monday 25th September (IST), 24th September (EDT/BST/PT)
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 A.M. (IST) / 3:00 P.M. (EDT) / 8:00 P.M. (BST) / 12:00 (PT)
• Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
• VAR: Cuadra Fernandez

Where to Watch the game?

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid | Head-to-Head

Real Madrid have a good all-over record against Atletico Madrid. They have won 115 out of the 232 matches played between the two teams, while Atletico Madrid have recorded only 57 victories. After an unbeaten run of six matches against Real Madrid in La Liga, Atletico Madrid have won only one of their last 14 such games in the competition.

Real Madrid won their previous away game against Atletico Madrid in La Liga. They could become only the second team after Levante to win consecutive such games against Los Colchoneros since 2022. Atletico Madrid have found the back of the net in each of their last 11 Madrid derbies and can achieve a record in this regard this weekend. Real Madrid scored 298 goals in their 172 matches against Atletico Madrid in La Liga and could become only the second La Liga team to score 300 goals in local derbies.

Atletico Madrid La Liga form:

• W
• D
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• L

Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):

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• D
• W
• L
• D

Real Madrid La Liga form:

• W
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Real Madrid form (all competitions):

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Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid | Team News

Atletico Madrid:

The host suffered a 2-1 defeat to their rivals in the match last season, but their only league success in the Madrid derby since February 2016 did come at home, recording a 1-0 victory at Wanda Metropolitano during the 2021-22 campaign.

Atletico will definitely be without the services of Thomas Lemar, Caglar Soyuncu, Reinildo, Rodrigo De Paul, and Barrios for the Madrid derby. Koke and Memphis Depay have also faced late fitness tests Barrios's injury occurred against Lazio during the week and Koke will be there to replace him. Jose Gimenez should also come into the side. Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata are set to operate as the front two for this match, with Samuel Lino retaining his spot as the left-sided wing-back.

"We all have a very big motivation to win. I can't wait to win titles with the Atleti shirt and so can my teammates, we know how we have to face this group stage and all the competitions we play, we have a great team and the dynamic, despite the game the other day in Valencia, is very positive and we have a lot of confidence in the group." 

Diego Pablo Simeone, manager of Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid:

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have not exactly been at their free-flowing best early this season, but they have impressively dealt with injuries to some key players and have shown their character by winning each of their last four matches by narrow victories.

Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are out due to long-term knee injuries. Dani Carvajal is also out with a muscular problem. Arda Guler and Vinicius Junior both are back in training and Vini Jr. has been named in the squad after recovering from a hamstring issue. Lucas Vazquez is more likely to continue at right-back.

Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will both potentially miss out on spots in the XI, with Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga expected to play behind Bellingham.

"There's always a good atmosphere around the place before a big game like tomorrow. We're excited and hungry, focused on going up against opposition with lots of quality. Excitement for putting in a good performance is the overriding feeling, to continue the good run. We want to take the points as we're trying to win LaLiga, not just to make life hard for Atlético."

– Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid | Possible Starting Lineup

Atletico Madrid's possible starting lineup:

• Oblak; Savic, Gimenez, Hermoso; Molina, Saul, Llorente, Koke, Lino; Griezmann, Morata

Real Madrid's possible starting lineup:

• Kepa; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Joselu

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid | Fantasy XI

• Goalkeeper: Oblak
• Defender: Vazquez, Militao, Gimenez, Hermoso
• Midfielder: Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham, Carrasco
• Attacker: Griezmann, Rodrygo

Kylian Mbappe has issued an apologetic statement on Instagram claiming responsibility for Real Madrid's frustrating 1-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in LalIga last night. Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala saved Mbappe's attempt from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, ruining a huge chance for Madrid to grab an equalizer. Following the defeat, Mbappe posted a message to the fans on Instagram to convey an apology. 

Kylian Mbappe has issued this message after #RealMadrid's 2-1 defeat at Athletic Club this evening (via IG). pic.twitter.com/IkGrQaG8zM

— Football España (@footballespana_) December 4, 2024

Real Madrid faces a tough defeat 

Real Madrid spoiled a golden opportunity to decrease the points gap between them and league-leaders Barcelona, who are currently atop with 37 points in 16 matches. Real Madrid has accumulated 33 points so far, playing one game less than their eternal rivals. 

🔚 FINAL I GOOOOOAAAAAAZEEEEEEEEEN!

Enorme victoria del Athletic sobre el @realmadrid en un auténtico partidazo en San Mamés.

👏 ZORIONAK, MUTILAK! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uOq8lnB1lo

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024

The match against Athletic Bilbao has been a rollercoaster ride for Los Blancos, as Kylian Mbappe's early goal was ruled out for offside in the 12th minute. Both teams failed to produce any goal in the first half. Alejandro Remiro scored in the 53rd minute to hand Bilbao the lead. 15 minutes later, Kylian Mbappe took the penalty in search of the equalizer but Julen Agirrezabala came out on top to deny his strike. Jude Bellingham found the equalizer in the 78th minute of the game, but all their efforts remained unfruitful as Gorka Guruzeta scored the winning goal for Bilbao, only two minutes after Bellingham found the net. 

Real Madrid have already faced 5 defeats across all competitions this season, compared to their two defeats in the whole 2023-24 season. Athletic Bilbao has also found the winning ways against Real Madrid since March of 2015. 

Mbappe's woes continue

What should have been a dream take-off, turned into a dreadful dream for Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has struggled to find his form for the Los Blancos. Although he has scored 10 goals in 20 games across all competitions, it does not equal or surpass the calibre he once provided in PSG and France shirts. 

This penalty miss against Athletic is Mbappe's second missed penalty in his Real Madrid career, while the first one came last week against Liverpool in Madrid's Champions League outing. On the other hand, Mbappe found the in the 12th minute but the flag was up for offside. Mbappe has been caught offside 22 times so far this season including last night!

However, these lackluster and inconsistent performances from Kylian Mbappe since the start of this season have taken a toll on his mental health. According to L'Equipe's reports in November 2024, Kylian Mbappe has been dealing with a psychological problem and emotionally devastated. Antoine Simonneau, a correspondent for 'L'Equipe' in Madrid, revealed to Carrusel Deportivo that Mbappe is the focus of many people’s anger in France. 

Mbappe also faced an unpleasant experience while dealing with France's national team coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps dropped Mbappe from France's squad for their UEFA Nations League clashes against Israel and Italy in November due to his poor form. 

However, Mbappe has issued a message via his Instagram story and offered hope for the fans. He said:

"Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take FULL responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show WHO I AM”.

Ancelotti backs Mbappe

Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his confidence in Mbappe. However, he admitted that the French superstar has yet to showcase his utmost potential. 

"He is at a lot more than just 1% (of his potential), but he's not at his best," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"However, we have to give him time to adapt (to Real Madrid). He has scored 10 goals and is working hard to improve and to do better.

"I haven't spoken to him yet. It was a complicated, even, hard-fought, competitive game. We missed a penalty... I don't evaluate a player's game because of a missed penalty... sometimes you score and sometimes you miss. Obviously, he's sad, disappointed, but we have to keep going."

via The Business Standard

Raphinha scored a brace while Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor scored a goal each to help FC Barcelona return to winning ways in La Liga after three games against Mallorca at the Son Moix Stadium on Tuesday. With this win, Hansi Flick's men extended their lead at the points table to four points.

Torres at the top for Barcelona

After three winless games, Hansi Flick changed his playing eleven for the away fixture. He included Ferran Torres in the most advanced role while benching Robert Lewandowski for the match. Inaki Peña, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde formed the defensive lineup for the Catalan club while Pedri, Marc Casadó, and Dani Olmo were given the responsibility of controlling the midfield.

Captain Raphinha and Lamine Yamal continued as the offensive players for Flick.

Barcelona looked into control from the minute go by trapping the home side offside quite a few times before scoring in the first real opportunity they got. In the 11th minute of the match, Ferran Torres took advantage of a mix-up in defence between Valjent and Mojica and scored the first goal of the night for Barcelona.

Eight minutes later, Torres could have doubled the lead, but Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman stopped the Spaniard's efforts from a great ball by Balde.

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Yamal and Raphinha ripped through the defence in second half

However, after the goal, the Mallorcan defence tightened up to block countless attacks from the visitors and frustrate them till they found their way back right before the first half. In the 44th minute of the match, Pablo Maffeo got behind the Barcelona defence and found Vedat Muriqi with a great pass. The Kosovan striker did the rest to level the scoreboard.

Right after the second-half break, Barcelona looked at their best with both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha causing a few problems for the opponent's defenders. In the 53rd minute, Olmo found Lamine Yamal inside the box and Mojica fouled the Spaniard to hand Barcelona a penalty. Raphinha stepped up and restored the lead for his team in the 55th minute.

In the 74th minute, Lamine Yamal made a picture-perfect assist from right to find Raphinha in the far post for Barcelona's third goal of the night; his 11 of the season in 16 league games. With the game nearly in the pocket, Flick made a few substitutions and Frenkie de Jong found the net coming off from the bench. He scored Barca's fourth goal from a rebound ball in the 79th minute.

Pau Victor, another sub for the La Liga table topper, rounded off the score line after an interception. With this win, Barcelona returned to winning ways in the Spanish league after three games.

Barcelona are currently leading the league table with 37 points after 16 games while Real Madrid are following them with 33 points after 14 games.
 

A remarkable crop of young talent continues to grace the football world in 2024, with under-21 players attracting enormous attention and high prices. In addition to being the sport's future, these up-and-coming talents are already having a big influence on their teams and the global scene. 

These U21 players are not only influencing the success of their clubs but also changing the economics of contemporary football as transfer markets soar to previously unheard-of heights. Let's take a look at the players leading the list.

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Lamine Yamal- €181M

All eyes will be on Wembley as England take on Ireland in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League clash. As the two footballing nations collide, fans can expect a great contest today.

The Boys in Green arrive at Wembley as underdogs but with no shortage of fighting spirit. Ireland will rely on their team’s work ethic and tactical discipline to frustrate England and create opportunities on the break. Players like Evan Ferguson and Matt Doherty will be crucial in providing defensive solidity and a cutting-edge in attack.

Match Details

Match: England vs Ireland

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England.

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Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats 

Matches Played: 6

England wins: 2

Ireland wins: 1

Draws: 3

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Previous Records

Last time out against Republic of Ireland ⏪

👏 @JackGrealish pic.twitter.com/ADp0hbL6WB

— England (@England) November 17, 2024

England delivered a dominant display on Thursday, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over former group leaders Greece in Athens.

Ollie Watkins, preferred over Harry Kane, struck early to open the scoring within seven minutes, followed by an own goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos that doubled England's advantage. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones capped off the performance with a stunning backheeled goal on his debut.

This marks England’s fourth win in five games under interim manager Lee Carsley, who will step down after Sunday’s match.

Historically, England remain unbeaten against the Republic of Ireland since their 1988 European Championship loss, though six of their last eight encounters have ended in draws

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Team News and Injury Update

Wembley 📍 pic.twitter.com/AmTSiwzFl7

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2024

England still has some key players out as a result of injury but Lee Carsely still boasts of a formidable side that can compete against Ireland to secure all 3 points while Ireland is not without any significant absentees a tough test still awaits them at Wembley.

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Possible Starting XI

England predicted XI: Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane.

Ireland predicted XI: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, Johnston; Szmodics, Ferguson.

England is set to face Greece in their UEFA Nations League group game scheduled to kick off at 1.15 AM IST on 15 November 2024. This match will take place at Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

Greece has won all four of their games, continuing their outstanding run of play. The team leads the group with 12 points and an 8-goal edge.

Despite losing one game, the Englishmen have not played poorly either, sitting second in the standings with nine points out of a possible twelve.

Fans should anticipate a very difficult match as a result of the coaching change for the English men's national team, which will bring a mix of new ideas and playing styles.

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Match Details

Match: Greece vs England

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

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Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 10

Greece wins: 1

England wins: 7

Draws: 2

Previous Records

England goals against Greece don't come much better than this 🥹 pic.twitter.com/otSsJesJD5

— England (@England) November 14, 2024

The three lions of England have always had the better of the Greek national team the UEFA Nations League matches between these sides comes after an 18 year stint of not playing against each other.

Greece got their first ever win against England last month with a narrow 2-1 result. It remains to be seen if they can repeat the same feat in this reverse fixture. With 7 wins from 10 England are the sure favourities in this game.

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Team News and Injury Updates

England

Hard work continues 💯 pic.twitter.com/P5QyDvlGJN

— England (@England) November 12, 2024

The absence of several important players, such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, has delivered Lee Carsely a severe blow. Additionally, Grealish, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander Arnold, and John Stones will not be playing.

His team's setup will undoubtedly be impacted by these injuries since he will need to adjust formations and employ new tactics to guarantee his team's victory.

Greece

All set for tomorrow 🔑

Ready to give it all 🛡️for tomorrow’s match #lasttraining #weareready pic.twitter.com/8ZMPTP2hNn

— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) November 13, 2024

Luckily enough for the home team there would not be much to worry about as they are only dealing with the absence of Kourbelis and this is due to suspension and not any other reason. It is expected that they will field their strongest side.

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Possible Starting XI

England

Pickford(GK) Lewis, Guehi, Konsa, Walker, Gallagher,Gomes,  Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke, Kane

Greece

Vlachodimos(GK) Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimkas, Sopis, Mantalos, Masouras, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis