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.

ONLINE VOTE, ASSEMBLY TABLE AT CAMP NOU

The meeting will be held remotely. The first call is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with the second at 10:00 a.m. The Assembly table will be based at Auditori 1899 inside the Spotify Camp Nou complex. The board has also requested the presence of a notary to record the resolutions adopted during the meeting.

The official agenda contains ten items. Joan Laporta will deliver the president’s report before the delegates consider the club’s accounts for the 2025/26 season and its budget for 2026/27. They will also be asked to ratify agreements with Ohana Real Estate Development and Construction and Babylon Park Spain, as well as appointments to the Board of Directors and the Economic Commission.

MORE FINANCING FOR ESPAI BARÇA

The financing item will attract the greatest scrutiny. Barcelona’s official notice confirms that members will vote on an increase in funding for the Espai Barça project and on a bond issue backed by additional club audiovisual rights. The announcement itself does not state the amounts involved.

Spanish media have supplied the figures. “El País” and Cadena SER report that Barcelona are seeking a combined €510 million: €300 million in additional financing for Espai Barça and a further €210 million through bonds intended to ease liquidity pressure caused by delayed stadium revenue. These figures come from media reports and do not appear in the club’s formal assembly notice.

The pattern is familiar. Future income from the rebuilt stadium remains the central promise, while delays and rising funding needs keep producing fresh requests in the present. The board is once again asking delegate members to approve new obligations so that the project designed to transform Barcelona’s finances can first receive even more financial support.

DELEGATES FACE ANOTHER MAJOR DECISION

The vote reaches beyond the construction timetable. Approval would allow the board to proceed with financial operations partly secured against future audiovisual income. Barcelona would therefore be drawing on another future revenue stream to support a project whose full financial return is still several years away.

Officially, this is an Ordinary General Assembly. Formally, that description is correct. There is little ordinary, however, about asking members to approve hundreds of millions of euros in further financing for a stadium project whose schedule and costs have already changed repeatedly. On Saturday, the delegates will decide whether to endorse the board’s latest solution.

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.

Joan Laporta has sealed yet another proudly announced commercial deal. FC Barcelona has entered into a five-year agreement with Telefónica, making the telecommunications giant an Official Partner of the Espai Barça project until 2031.

The company will be responsible for supplying top-tier connectivity and network infrastructure at Spotify Camp Nou. Club president Laporta praised the partnership, declaring that the venue will set a global benchmark for stadium innovation.

Fans can rest assured that once they finally set foot in the arena, their mobile connection will be lightning fast – even if waiting for the actual stadium reopening requires endless patience.

VIP LOUNGES AND CORPORATE GLAMOUR

Under the terms of the five-year contract, Telefónica secures an executive box at Spotify Camp Nou and naming rights to one of the new VIP Lounge spaces currently under construction.

Borja Ochoa, President of Telefónica España, signed the deal alongside Laporta, cementing the company’s commitment to the project. Barcelona’s executive board once again demonstrates its remarkable ability to sell futuristic visions and luxury corporate hospitality.

Having seamless 5G coverage will undoubtedly come in handy for club officials when they desperately refresh their inboxes ahead of future registration deadlines.

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.

AN INJURY OPENS THE DOOR

García missed Barcelona’s final session before Saturday’s game at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. He felt discomfort in his right knee during the 7-2 victory over Racing Santander and was replaced at half-time. Tests did not reveal a serious injury, but the coaching staff do not want to take an unnecessary risk.

With the first-choice goalkeeper unavailable, Flick called Rodríguez into the senior group. According to Mundo Deportivo, the academy graduate is set to travel to Seville as Barcelona’s third goalkeeper. Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to start, with Dominik Livaković providing the other experienced option.

RODRÍGUEZ ALREADY KNOWS THE SENIOR SETUP

This is not Rodríguez’s first contact with the first team. The young goalkeeper trained with the senior squad in previous seasons and was also involved during the summer preparation period following the departures of Ander Astralaga and Áron Yaakobishvili.

He has started the new campaign as Barça Atlètic’s first-choice goalkeeper. Rodríguez kept clean sheets in the opening league matches against Náxara and Logroñés B, strengthening his position among the club’s most highly regarded goalkeeping prospects. He is expected to return to reserve-team duty after the Sevilla match.

LA MASIA RETURNS TO EMERGENCY DUTY

Barcelona often present academy promotions as proof of their commitment to youth development. On this occasion, the explanation is less romantic: the first-choice goalkeeper is unavailable and Flick needs another name to complete the matchday group.

That takes nothing away from Rodríguez, whose performances for Barça Atlètic have earned him the opportunity. It does, however, show how quickly the hierarchy can change. Livaković arrived as additional cover, Szczęsny is now expected to return to the starting line-up, and an 18-year-old could take his place on the bench.

For Rodríguez, it is valuable experience at senior level. For Barcelona, it is another reminder that La Masia becomes especially useful when the first team suddenly runs short of available options.

THE GHOST OF MESSI STILL HAUNTS THE CLUB

Referencing the legacy of the Argentine master is a proven way to win the hearts of the fans. Fermín makes no secret of the fact that he grew up admiring the best player in history, which shaped his footballing identity.

The problem is that while the academy graduates still live in the romantic vision of a great team from the past, the board has spent years trying to sugarcoat the fact that saying goodbye to the legend was an absolute PR and strategic disaster. Tales of the great club DNA sound beautiful and media-friendly, until we remember the desperate patching of the budget and selling off future revenues just to survive another season.

COMPETITION OR A MEDICAL WAITING ROOM?

López also mentioned the immense competition in the midfield, which demonstrates his admirable optimism. This famous fight for a spot in the starting eleven in Barcelona often boils down to who is currently not recovering from a chronic injury and who has actually managed to be registered in the Spanish league five minutes before the referee’s first whistle.

The team’s identity is supposedly built on academy graduates, but in practice, this is largely due to the fact that the club’s accounts have been empty for a long time, and the virtual millions from successive financial levers do not make signing new stars any easier. Fermín’s enthusiasm is genuine and uplifting, but it is hard not to notice that his unconditional love for the crest is currently the cheapest and most stable asset the sporting direction has at its disposal.

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.

TEAM TROPHIES SHOULD REMAIN TEAM TROPHIES

Yamal pointed out that winning the Champions League is a collective achievement. He applied similar logic to goals, noting that football already has separate awards for the leading scorers.

“People prioritise factors that have nothing to do with it. When Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League, PSG get the Champions League trophy. If you are the top scorer, you get the top scorer award,” Yamal said during his appearance on Universo Valdano.

The Spain international explained that he places greater value on a player’s overall influence and the quality of his football than on a simple list of goals and trophies. It is a legitimate position, although the timing makes it difficult to separate from the campaign surrounding his Ballon d’Or candidacy.

BARCELONA’S FLEXIBLE RULEBOOK

Barcelona have publicly backed Yamal for the award, with Joan Laporta, current players and former club figures all adding their voices. The latest argument explains why the achievements and numbers recorded by his rivals should not necessarily settle the debate.

The criteria appear remarkably flexible. Team honours are powerful evidence when they favour Barcelona’s candidate, but scoring records become a separate matter when they strengthen someone else’s case.

Yamal is entitled to define footballing excellence in his own way. The wider campaign is more questionable when every criterion seems to gain or lose importance depending on which candidate benefits from it. Barcelona’s Ballon d’Or push continues, and the rulebook is apparently still being written.