In the 236th edition of the Madrid derby, Real Madrid, currently leading the La Liga table with 57 points from 22 matches, faces Atletico Madrid, who sit third, trailing Real by 10 points. This encounter holds significant implications for the La Liga title race.

Real Madrid recently reclaimed the top spot from Girona with a 2-0 victory over Getafe, courtesy of Joselu’s rare starting appearance, securing a perfect 18th La Liga win this season. This win sets a positive tone for Los Blancos as they prepare for upcoming challenging fixtures, including a Champions League clash with Leipzig. The focus now shifts to a favorable result against Atletico Madrid at home.

This marks the fourth meeting between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the 2023/2024 season. Diego Simeone’s side holds the upper hand with two victories, including a triumph in the Copa del Rey, making them the only team to defeat Real Madrid in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid, after defeating Rayo Vallecano, solidified their third position. Their goal in the match against Real Madrid is to secure at least one point at Santiago Bernabeu. However, replicating their success from the first leg could be challenging, given the formidable record Real Madrid maintains at home this season.

Real Madrid has been unbeaten at home this season, winning nine out of ten La Liga matches and conceding only six goals. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid faces the challenge of breaking Real Madrid’s dominance at Santiago Bernabeu, with their last away win dating back to February 2016.