Real enter the derby in second place with 15 points, two more than Atlético. A win would keep the visitors close to leaders Barcelona while opening a useful gap over their city rivals. It is far too early for the table to settle the title race, but a derby result can shape the mood around both clubs for weeks.

REAL ARE WINNING, BUT ELCHE PROVIDED A WARNING

Madrid have won their last three matches in all competitions. They beat Inter 2-1 in the Champions League, swept Rayo Vallecano aside 4-1 and then defeated Elche 3-2 on Tuesday. The results are strong, although the final game gave Mourinho several reasons for concern.

Real led 2-0 at half-time after Arda Güler’s free kick went in off goalkeeper Matías Dituro and Kylian Mbappé finished a move created by Yan Diomande. Elche fought back to level in the second half, forcing Madrid to find another late response. Substitute Carlos Espí delivered it in stoppage time, converting Mbappé’s pass to secure all three points.

The winner was another reminder of Real’s depth. Mourinho has players capable of changing matches from the bench, while Jude Bellingham and Endrick have returned to action. Still, the coach admitted after the Elche game that his side surrendered control too easily. A similar spell at the Metropolitano would be far more dangerous.

ATLÉTICO HAVE FOUND MOMENTUM AT THE RIGHT TIME

Diego Simeone’s side approach the derby after two emphatic victories. Atlético won 3-0 away to Real Sociedad before beating Osasuna 4-0 at home. Jonathan David, Kang-in Lee, Robin Le Normand and Álex Baena scored in the latter match as Atlético controlled the contest and kept another clean sheet.

Simeone has confirmed that Julián Álvarez is available after a muscular problem, although he did not reveal whether the Argentine will start. The Atlético coach also identified Real’s fast transitions as a major threat. Any open space after a turnover could be exploited by Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Diomande.

The hosts will try to compress the centre of the pitch and force Madrid into slower attacks. Real, however, possess several ways to break that structure. Güler can accelerate play with his passing, Bellingham provides powerful runs from midfield and Mbappé arrives after scoring and assisting against Elche. Mourinho has options rather than a single route to goal.

THREE ABSENTEES AS REAL COMPLETE THEIR PREPARATIONS

Madrid held their final training session at Real Madrid City on Saturday. The club confirmed that Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo remain on individual recovery programmes. The rest of the group worked on pressing, possession, tactical drills and finishing.

Mourinho’s main decision may come in midfield. He can seek greater control with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde or add another creative player. Güler and Bellingham have both strengthened their cases with recent contributions. Mbappé remains the most reliable scorer, while Diomande’s form and Espí’s impact from the bench give the coach additional alternatives.

NO ROOM FOR ANOTHER QUIET HALF

Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias will referee the match. He will become the first Madrid-born official to take charge of a league derby between the two clubs after the territoriality rule that previously prevented such appointments was removed.

Real travel across the city with positive results, a dangerous attack and fresh evidence that they can still win when a game begins to escape them. Atlético are building momentum and will try to impose a physical, intense contest from the opening whistle. Mourinho’s side must maintain their level for the full match. The late rescue act worked in Elche; the derby is not the place to depend on another one.

CRISTIANO RONALDO ONCE AGAIN HEADLINES THE SQUAD

Despite the passage of time, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be a central figure for his national side. The Portuguese captain has once again earned the trust of Roberto Martínez, proving his extraordinary work ethic, leadership, and athletic longevity at the highest level.

The all-time leading goalscorer in international football will once again spearhead his country’s attack.

A STRONG PORTUGUESE SQUAD FOR UPCOMING FIXTURES

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the squad includes top-tier European talent such as Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Rúben Dias. Martínez has maintained a strong core that balances vast international experience with high-quality talent as Portugal prepares for their upcoming UEFA fixtures.

MILITÃO NEARS RETURN

At the Valdebebas training complex, Real Madrid’s coaching and medical staff are showcasing total professionalism in managing player rehabilitations. Rather than rushing recoveries, the club prioritizes long-term health, implementing fully customized training regimens for Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo. This exceptional attention to detail highlights why the Spanish giants boast such a resilient, well-managed, and mentally robust squad.

Éder Militão is currently at the most advanced stage of his recovery. Following a hamstring injury sustained in April, the Brazilian center-back is already working individually on the grass alongside the club’s top physiotherapists and fitness coaches.

The medical team is closely monitoring his progress, and all signs point to the defender reinforcing Real Madrid’s formidable backline in the near future. The cautious management of his return proves that the club values absolute physical readiness over taking unnecessary risks with key personnel.

PATIENCE AND CARE FOR MENDY AND RODRYGO

The club is exercising the same commendable patience with Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. The French defender and the Brazilian forward are diligently following their medical protocols inside the state-of-the-art Valdebebas facilities.

Real Madrid’s staff has designed precise recovery timelines for both players, completely eliminating any external pressure. This strategic approach to squad management—relying on smart rotations and world-class care for the injured—allows the team to maintain its spectacular sporting level across all competitions and peak perfectly for the decisive phase of the campaign.

BELLINGHAM BACK WITH THE GROUP

Real Madrid’s official training report confirms that the squad completed another session at Ciudad Real Madrid. The players began with physical work on the pitch before moving on to tactical drills, possession exercises and a series of small-sided games.

Bellingham was not listed among those following an individual programme. Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo worked separately as they continued their respective recovery plans. That distinction matters: Bellingham’s return to normal training is confirmed, but the club has not announced what role he will have in the derby.

MOURINHO REGAINS A MAJOR OPTION

Having Bellingham available increases Mourinho’s midfield options before one of the most demanding fixtures on the domestic calendar. The Englishman offers intensity, late runs into the box and the ability to operate in several midfield roles, although a place in the starting XI has not been guaranteed.

Madrid therefore have no reason to rush the decision. Mourinho has recovered a player capable of changing the tempo from the opening whistle or making a major impact from the bench. In a crowded schedule, that is a meaningful sporting boost rather than merely a welcome training-ground headline.

DERBY AT THE METROPOLITANO

Atlético Madrid host Real Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday, 20 September, at 16:15 local time. The match is part of LaLiga matchday seven. Madrid have one more training session before the game, after which Mourinho is expected to provide the latest squad update.

For now, the central fact is clear: Bellingham has resumed full work with his teammates. Whether he returns directly to the starting line-up will be determined by the coaching staff after the final preparations.

REAL MADRID DELEGATION VISITS CITY HALL

The Real Madrid representatives arrived on Friday morning. Pérez and Pirri signed Ceuta’s book of honour before taking part in an official meeting with the city’s authorities.

“We support and stand in solidarity with all the people of Ceuta. We hope the city can return to normality as soon as possible,” the Real Madrid president said.

Pérez also made it clear that the trip had been arranged in advance and would have taken place regardless of the latest developments. That distinction matters because the visit came only days after the dispute surrounding the “Todos somos caballas” shirts presented before Real Madrid’s match against Elche.

AN EMOTIONAL RETURN FOR PIRRI

Pirri’s presence gave the visit a personal dimension. The Real Madrid legend was born in Ceuta and spoke about both his attachment to the city and his sadness over the situation facing its residents.

“Ceuta is part of my memories and my roots. I suffer because of what is happening. I am with you,” Pirri said.

Vivas thanked the delegation and stressed that Real Madrid had not travelled to Ceuta for a match or another sporting event. The purpose was to demonstrate institutional support, encouragement and solidarity with the city.

A MEASURED INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE

The visit does not erase the earlier debate involving Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté. Nor should it be portrayed solely as a response to that controversy, given Pérez’s statement that the trip had already been planned.

Real Madrid nevertheless took concrete action. The club was represented by its president, honorary president and senior institutional director, who met the local authorities and residents in person instead of limiting the response to a statement issued from Madrid.

The club also avoided turning the visit into a political declaration. Its message remained focused on solidarity, support and the hope that Ceuta can return to normality quickly. In a tense situation, that restraint gave the gesture greater credibility.

A REWARD FOR A STRONG START

Both players have used the opening weeks of the season to make their mark at senior level. Espart has earned opportunities in Barcelona’s first team and demonstrated his ability to operate in several positions. Espí has made an equally convincing case at Real Madrid with the clearest currency available to a forward: decisive goals.

For the Real Madrid youngster, the call-up provides further evidence that his early impact was more than a brief flash. He has made limited minutes count and delivered when his team needed an attacking solution. There was no need for a lengthy campaign around his name; his performances made the argument for him.

Espart has also earned his place on merit. His versatility across defence and midfield gives David Gordo another useful option as Spain approach the decisive stage of qualifying. The upcoming camp will be both players’ first experience with the U21 side.

QUALIFICATION WITHIN REACH

Spain face Finland on 25 September, San Marino on 1 October and Romania on 6 October. A victory over Finland, their closest rivals in the group, would secure qualification for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship.

Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal is also included, while Espanyol’s Javi Hernández is the third newcomer in the squad. The finals will be held in Serbia and Albania, with three places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games also at stake.

According to figures published by AS, Real Madrid have taken 126 shots in the league this season, compared with Barcelona’s 124. The numbers for shots on target are just as close: 51 for Madrid and 50 for their Catalan rivals.

The contrast appears on the scoreboard. Barcelona have scored 28 league goals, while Madrid have managed 17. That is an eleven-goal gap despite almost identical totals for overall attempts and shots on target.

NINE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE WOODWORK

Madrid have hit a post or the crossbar nine times, the highest total in La Liga. Barcelona are second with five, while Atlético Madrid have recorded four. Mourinho’s side have struck the woodwork in five of their six league games, with the match against Real Sociedad the only exception.

The defeat to Real Betis provided the most painful example. Madrid attempted 20 shots, put eight on target and hit the woodwork three times, yet failed to score. The attacking output was sufficient to win many matches, but the lack of a finish left the team empty-handed.

The issue appeared again at Elche. Real Madrid led 2-0 and had opportunities to finish the contest, but allowed the hosts to draw level. Carlos Espí eventually rescued the three points by scoring the late winner in a 3-2 victory.

Mourinho has openly acknowledged the problem. After the defeat to Betis, he described the number of missed chances as abnormal. Following the Elche match, he again pointed out that Madrid had failed to kill off a game that should have been settled earlier.

THE STRUCTURE WORKS, THE FINISHING MUST IMPROVE

The statistics do not remove responsibility from Madrid’s forwards. Nine shots against the woodwork cannot simply be counted as nine goals, and creating chances does not guarantee points. They do show, however, that the team are consistently reaching dangerous areas and generating enough attempts.

That distinction matters. Madrid do not need to rebuild their attack or discover an entirely new route to goal. They need to make better use of the opportunities they already produce. If their conversion rate moves closer to Barcelona’s, the scoring gap should begin to narrow quickly.

Barcelona are currently far more clinical. Madrid can still take encouragement from the underlying numbers: the attacking structure is producing, and the shortage of goals is not the result of an inability to create. The final touch has simply been missing too often — with the posts doing more defensive work than some opponents.

FABIÁN RUIZ GETS THE FIRST VOTE

Ceballos spoke to reporters in the mixed zone after Betis recorded their fifth win in six La Liga matches. Asked about his favourite for the award, he initially focused on Fabián Ruiz and the midfielder’s collective achievements.

“There is a lot of noise around it. Fabián has won practically everything at team level. If it is not him, then let Kylian Mbappé win it,” Ceballos said.

This was not an unconditional endorsement of the Real Madrid forward. Ceballos gave priority to his long-time Spain teammate and then presented Mbappé as his second choice. Even so, the Frenchman’s inclusion in such a short answer underlines the strength of his position in the debate over football’s leading individual prize.

MBAPPÉ REMAINS A LEADING CONTENDER

Mbappé has also spoken openly about his ambitions. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, he said this was a good year for him to win the Ballon d’Or and described his performances as his best advocate. He added that his main wish was to see the award return to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Ceballos did not attempt to settle the entire race or dismiss the achievements of other candidates. His answer combined loyalty to a compatriot with recognition of Mbappé’s standing. For Real Madrid, it is another indication that their forward remains one of the central figures in this year’s Ballon d’Or discussion.

REAL MADRID ABOVE INDIVIDUAL AMBITION

Mbappé believes that playing for Real Madrid has taken him to another level. In his view, anyone who wants to leave a lasting mark on football history has to represent the Spanish club. His point was not limited to Madrid’s reputation. He also spoke about the standards and responsibility that come with wearing the white shirt.

The forward made it clear that Real Madrid must come before personal egos and individual relationships inside the dressing room. Not everything has to be perfect between every member of a squad packed with major personalities, but the shared objective must always come first. It is a straightforward principle that has helped Madrid turn collections of stars into trophy-winning teams.

FLORENTINO PÉREZ DID NOT NEED TO CONVINCE HIM

Mbappé also reflected on his long-standing contact with Florentino Pérez. The Real Madrid president remained in touch with him for roughly a decade and, according to the player, continued to show understanding even when Mbappé’s decisions did not work in the club’s favour.

The Frenchman described Pérez as “the best president in the world”, while insisting that even he did not need to sell him the idea of joining Madrid. Playing for the club had been Mbappé’s objective for years. The circumstances did not always allow the move to happen earlier, but the destination itself was never in doubt.

MOURINHO HAS MADE A SPECIAL IMPRESSION

The striker was also full of praise for José Mourinho. Having already worked at Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, Mbappé singled out the current coach as one of the most intelligent people he has met. He described Mourinho as a leader and a manager whose influence on football is already firmly established.

Mbappé does not want to impose a fixed goals target on himself. He prefers to play without setting a numerical ceiling, contribute to the team and compete for trophies. His message fits Real Madrid’s long-standing order perfectly: the biggest names are welcome, but they remain part of the club, never bigger than it.

TACTICS ON THE BIG SCREEN

According to “AS”, the screen is positioned at the main training pitch in Valdebebas and can also be moved indoors. It can display team shapes, different system variations, animations and recreated passages of play, as well as the usual footage used to analyse opponents.

The club’s video shows the players following instructions about specific movements before putting those ideas into practice. The setup shortens the distance between Mourinho’s explanation and the execution of the task on the pitch.

MOURINHO CONTINUES TO DEVELOP HIS METHODS

“AS” notes that Mourinho now uses a more advanced range of tools than during his first spell at Real Madrid. The screen does not replace coaching or conventional video analysis, but it gives him another way to communicate detailed instructions in a clear and accessible format.

It also suits the coach’s attention to positioning, reactions after losing possession and coordination between units. Freezing a particular image and then immediately rehearsing the required movement can help remove uncertainty from an exercise.

THE PLAYERS HAVE RESPONDED POSITIVELY

The report adds that the squad have welcomed the method, which makes sessions more dynamic and the instructions easier to absorb. A giant screen will not win matches by itself, but it is a practical tool for a coach who wants his tactical demands to be understood precisely.

Real Madrid have not unveiled a revolutionary invention. They have simply found an effective way to use technology in daily work. In a game built around quick adjustments and increasingly detailed tactical plans, showing a player exactly what is required can save valuable time on the training ground.