Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are locked in a Champions League battle but must first turn their attention to two other derby clashes in La Liga this weekend before they can settle it.

With leaders Barcelona in action on Saturday against Osasuna, the capital clubs both face tough games as they try to keep up with the pace in the tightest of title races.

Champions Real Madrid welcome high-flying Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, right after Diego Simeone’s Atletico visit Getafe.

Los Blancos have England midfielder Jude Bellingham back from suspension but are concerned about Kylian Mbappe’s last two performances.

After a slow start the French superstar hit the sublime level everyone expected of him, but failed to find the net against Real Betis last weekend and in the Champions League last-16 first-leg win over Atletico on Tuesday.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted Mbappe’s conditioning was affected by a tooth issue.

“He had no physical problems, he hasn’t been able to train much because his toothache didn’t allow him to do so,” said the Italian coach after the 2-1 win against Atletico.

“Against Betis, he wasn’t in the best condition and these minutes have been good for him to get him in the best condition for the next game.”

Rayo Vallecano are seventh and fighting for European football next season.

Inigo Perez’s side were beaten 1-0 by Barcelona in February but deserved more from the match as they showed they can handle themselves against the league’s top sides.

Getafe by contrast are fighting relegation, currently 14th and six points clear of the drop zone, but all teams know a trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez is synonymous with a tough time.

Jose Bordalas’ unforgiving side have a score to settle with Atletico after suffering a 5-0 thrashing on the road in the Copa del Rey in February.

With Atletico needing to save strength for their attempted comeback against Real Madrid, Simeone could rotate his pack.


https://guardian.ng/sport/football/madrid-duo-face-title-race-derbies-amid-champions-league-tussle/