Atleti vs Real Madrid at 16:15: Mbappé leads the derby

Madrid derby night. Atlético Madrid host Real Madrid on 20 September at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with kickoff set for 16:15, for the 7th LaLiga matchday. As RMC Sport reports, both sides are trying to keep up with the pace set by Barça at the top of the table.

Before kickoff, tension already showed in the stands: during the team announcement, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé were heavily booed by the home crowd, according to RMC Sport’s live feed. Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho returns to the bench after coming back this summer and faces Atlético for the first time in 12 years.

Mbappé lights it up early

The opening minutes featured a careful Real Madrid approach against Atlético’s mid-block, as described by RMC Sport. Mbappé had early involvement, including a first dribble and an attempt to come for the ball from the left flank.

In the 6th minute, the live text says Mbappé received forward and used the space left by Atlético’s back line to strike—his effort went over Oblak’s goal. The same early spell also included a strong tackle by Atlético’s young defender on Mbappé, celebrated by the home fans as if it were a goal.

Confirmed line-ups

RMC Sport provides the starting XI for both teams.

Atlético enter the derby boosted by back-to-back emphatic wins over Real Sociedad (3-0) and Osasuna (4-0). And, according to RMC Sport, Mourinho’s record versus Atlético while coaching Real Madrid is strong: just one defeat in nine meetings (8 wins, 1 draw). The atmosphere, meanwhile, is already intense.