Real Madrid take on their cross city rivals Atletico Madrid in a third clash in less than a month.
Atletico won the bragging rights after they defeated Los Blancos in a western legged Super Copa final, going on to lift their first trophy of this season. Atletico had a solid last season, winning the La Liga and finishing just second in the Champions league, the Diego Simeone side look like a team who are could have a good future title run ins.
El Cholo has compared his team to Maradona's Napoli side by saying: "Atletico are people's club, just like Napoli were with Maradona". After a summer of sale and rebuilding, the Red and Whites look set to march on their last season's success. Gone are Thibaut Courtios, Luis Felipe and Diego Costa conveniently replaced by Oblak, Siqueira and Mandzukic. And add to those three, Atleti have managed to sign the rising French star Griezmann and Ceric from Sociedad and Torino respectively.
Real Madrid on the other hand, have once again invested heavily and went out on a La Decima celebratory spending sphere. World cup star James Rodriguez replaces the outgoing Di Maria, Toni Kroos fills in the void left by Spanish legend Xabi Alonso and Chicharito provides much needed cover for Karim Benzema.
Team News:
Real Madrid: The world player of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo looks fit and ready to play against arch rivals Atletico Madrid. On loan striker Hernandez could debut for his new club, or could act as a super sub to break a disciplined Atletico defense.
Probable Xl: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema.
Atletico Madrid:
Assistant manager German Burgos takes charge of the team, in the absence of manager Diego Simeone, who is suspended for his actions against the assistant refree in the super copa game this month. Turan could return to playing first team games for Atletico after a long time, he played twice for Turkey this week.
The other injury concern is Cristian Rodriguez.
Probable Xl: Moya, Juanfran, Miranda, God in, Siqueira, Gabi, Suarez, Garcia, Griezmann, Koke, Mandzukic.
Score Prediction:
Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid.