Madrid’s first derby of the season arrives at the Metropolitano on Sunday with Atlético forced to juggle absences but able to welcome Julián Alvarez back into the matchday picture against Real Madrid.
Diego Simeone will be without Alexander Sorloth and Pablo Barrios for the meeting between the capital’s two leading clubs. Alvarez, however, is available again after missing Atlético’s previous two games because of muscular overload, although the Argentine forward begins the derby among the substitutes.
Atlético’s starting side is set to feature Jan Oblak in goal, with Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, David Hancko and Alejandro Grimaldo across the defensive unit. Giuliano Simeone, Johnny Cardoso and Alex Baena form the midfield, while Kang-in Lee and Jonathan David are selected further forward.
The home bench carries considerable experience and attacking options for Simeone, including Robin Le Normand, Ademola Lookman, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Koke, alongside Alvarez as Atlético prepare to host their city rivals in the opening Madrid derby of the campaign.
