Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome capital rivals Atletico Madrid. Third-placed Real Madrid currently sit four points and one position behind Atletico in the table ahead of the clash at the Bernabeu. It promises to be another fascinating battle between these bitter rivals, who are trailing runaway leaders Barcelona. Stay tuned for the action!

These two teams played out a fairly uneventful goalless draw in the reverse match at the Wanda Metropolitano earlier this season. Their last clash at the Bernabeu was actually in last season's Champions League semi-final first leg, and a 3-0 Real Madrid win set Zinedine Zidane's side up nicely to make yet another final, which they managed before beating Juventus to retain the European crown.

Last season's La Liga meeting at the Bernabeu finished 1-1, however, and three of the last five meetings between these two teams in all competitions have actually ended level. Atletico won 1-0 away to Real Madrid in February 2016 though with Antoine Griezmann's goal deciding the match.

© Offside

Quite incredibly, Real Madrid have not won a home La Liga match against Atletico since December 2012, which is a stunning run of form. Los Blancos have been victorious in just one of their last nine La Liga meetings, meanwhile, which is why Atletico will arrive this afternoon full of confidence.

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Spanish capital. Real Madrid were in Champions League action on Tuesday night – recording a 3-0 win at Juventus in the first leg of their quarter-final. Atletico, meanwhile, overcame Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night. Any changes? Let's have a look...

TEAMS!

REAL MADRID: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Lucas, Kovacic, Kroos, Asensio; Ronaldo, Bale

ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Lucas; Vitolo, Thomas, Saul, Koke; Griezmann, Costa

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has made four changes to the team that started against Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday night. It is the same back five, but Lucas Vazquez, Mateo Kovacic and Marco Asensio all come into the midfield, while Gareth Bale will join Cristiano Ronaldo in the final third. Luka Modric, Casemiro, Isco and Karim Benzema all drop to the bench for the home side.

© Offside

As for Atletico, Antoine Griezmann is back from a La Liga suspension to start, while there are also spots for Juanfran and Vitolo as club captain Gabi drops to the bench. Sime Vrsaljko and Filipe Luis are among those on the sidelines for the visitors, but Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres make the bench.

So there we have it. The two teams in, and we are now just about 35 minutes from kickoff at the Bernabeu. I shall speak about Atletico a little bit later, but let's start with Real Madrid. As mentioned above, Zidane's side took a huge step towards securing a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League courtesy of a 3-0 win away to Italian champions Juventus on Tuesday night.

⚽🔥 @Cristiano has bagged TEN #RMDerbi goals against @atletienglish at the Bernabéu! Enjoy some of his best! 👇 pic.twitter.com/DobCneJ39D — Real Madrid C.F.🇺🇸🇬🇧 (@realmadriden) April 8, 2018

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice – including 'that goal' – while Marcelo also registered in Turin. The Champions League is the only silverware that Real Madrid are competing for in the final weeks of the campaign due to Barcelona's incredible dominance in La Liga this season. Indeed, Ernesto Valverde's side are currently 12 points clear of second-placed Atletico, and 16 clear of Real Madrid.

Real Madrid's record of 19 wins, six draws and five defeats from 30 La Liga matches this season is not disastrous, but they have been unable to match an unbeaten Barcelona team. Second place is very much open, however, and a win for Zidane's side here would move to within one point of Atletico.

Since losing 1-0 at Espanyol towards the end of February, Real Madrid have won each of their six matches in all competitions. They recorded a 3-0 victory at Las Palmas in the league last weekend, and hit six against Girona in their last league match at the Bernabeu in the middle of March.

📝✅ ¡Nuestro 11 inicial para el #RMDerbi! #RMMovistar | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/sUmvFa8RYm — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 8, 2018

As for Atletico, Diego Simeone's side, who were in Europa League action on Thursday night, will be looking for their 21st La Liga win of the campaign this afternoon. They have only lost three of their 30 league matches this term, and managed to return to winning ways last weekend with a 1-0 success over Deportivo La Coruna having lost away to Villarreal in their final match before the international break.

There is no question that finishing second and winning the Europa League would be seen as a good season for Atletico, who suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Barcelona towards the start of last month. They will once again be solid and tough to break down this afternoon, and will hope that Griezmann or Costa can make the difference down the other end of the field. Kickoff is now just 10 minutes away!

It is not a surprise that Atletico have the best defensive record in the league once again. Indeed, Simeone's side have only conceded 14 times in their 30 La Liga matches during the 2017-18 campaign, but they are the lowest scorers in the top four with 50 goals – 26 fewer than Real Madrid.

🏧👥 | STARTING LINE-UP
Check out who's going to start in the DERBY!
🔴⚪🔴 Atleeeeeeeeeeti! 🔴⚪🔴#AúpaAtleti #RealMadridAtleti pic.twitter.com/hFUyWVptvN — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 8, 2018

KICKOFF! Real Madrid kick things off in the Spanish capital...

... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Both of these sides are trailing Barcelona in the table, but second spot is very much open. Atletico have a strong recent record at the Bernabeu, and will be looking to pick up another positive result here.

Real Madrid break down the right through Carvajal, who delivers low into the Atletico box, but the ball is deflected into the arms of Oblak. It has been a decent opening four minutes to this capital clash.

Kroos has the opportunity to deliver a free kick into the Atletico box following a challenge from Savic on Ronaldo, but Oblak is on hand to make the claim. Still no opportunities to speak of here.

Real Madrid are the team on the front foot at the moment as a header from Savic goes behind, allowing the home side to threaten from a corner. The delivery from Kroos is into the near post, but Atletico manage to scramble clear. The Real Madrid fans behind the Atletico goal are in fine voice.

Atletico are struggling to get out of their own half at the moment as Real Madrid continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Bale in particular will be keen to impress for the champions here.

CHANCE! Huge chance for the home side to take the lead as a flicked header from Bale finds Ronaldo at the far post, but the number seven cannot nudge the ball past Oblak from close range!

All Real Madrid at the moment as Kroos has one deflected wide from outside the post. The home side then have a penalty shout when Juanfran challenges Kroos, but the referee is not interested!

Atletico manage to break up the field through Vitolo, but the attacker loses the ball before fouling Marcelo twice in quick succession. This one is gathering pace nicely with 13 minutes on the clock.

BOOKING! Kroos (Real Madrid) is booked for a poor tackle on Griezmann.

Atletico force their first corner of the match following good work from Griezmann in a wide position, but Ramos is up to clear at the far post. Just a few signs that the away side are starting to settle here.

BOOKING! Vitolo (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Vazquez.

Costa looks to win a race with Ramos inside the Real Madrid half of the field, but that was never likely to occur, and the home side are back on the front foot. Still goalless with 19 minutes on the clock here.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Costa fires into the back of the Real Madrid net, but the Atletico forward is penalised for a foul on Ramos, who took a chance inside his own penalty box.

SAVE! Oblak tips a long-range Ronaldo strike over the crossbar!

Asensio finds all sorts of space inside the Atletico box, but the attacker's cross is poor as he fails to find either Ronaldo or Ramos. Openings continue to arrive, although we are still goalless in Madrid.

You do get the feeling that the first goal this afternoon could be crucial. Real Madrid will feel that they should be ahead with 24 minutes on the clock, but Atletico are sticking in there as they always do.

There have already been two yellow cards in this match, and I suspect that the card count will continue to rise. Real Madrid again work some space in the final third before Kovacic strikes, but Godin is on hand to make the block. The first 26 minutes of this football match have flown past.

SAVE! Super save from Oblak to keep out a close-range effort from Varane. The ball fell kindly for the Real Madrid centre-back inside the Atletico box, but Oblak made a really smart stop!

SAVE! Costa breaks clear into the Real Madrid box, but Navas is down to make a wonderful save! That was a huge chance for Costa, albeit from a narrowing angle!

Just a reminder that Atletico are currently four points above third-placed Real Madrid in second position. Zidane's side really need to win this afternoon if they are to claim the spot behind Barcelona. That said, a draw would not be the end of the world as there are still plenty of points to play for this term.

Saul strikes one from distance, but his effort was always rising over the Real Madrid goal.

BOOKING! Thomas (Atletico) is booked for a foul on Vazquez.

Bale attempts to deliver low into the Atletico box, but Juanfran makes the block.

These two teams played out a goalless draw in the reverse league match earlier this season, and you do get the feeling that this could finish 0-0 despite both teams having good moments in attack.

Another shout for a Real Madrid penalty as Lucas makes a challenge inside the box, but the referee is again not interested. Little over five minutes of the first period to play in the Spanish capital.

Oblak again does well to collect a cross from the right after Ramos had stayed in the Atletico box. Griezmann then breaks clear down the other end of the field, but slips under pressure from Kovacic.

How bizarre. Vitolo has just been flagged offside from inside his own half of the field!

CROSSBAR! Marcelo hits the crossbar with a curling effort from the edge of the box! Oblak then has to get across to keep out a strike from Lucas. All happening at the moment here.

Vitolo bundles into the back of Kroos, but the attacker is not interested in awarding a second yellow card. Plenty happening in the final stages of the first 45 minutes at the Bernabeu here.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Real Madrid have had the better of the chances, and perhaps should have been awarded a penalty when Juanfran challenged Kroos. Atletico have had their moments in the final third, however, with Costa bringing a smart save from Navas. A very open and entertaining first period despite the lack of goals.

STATISTICS! Real Madrid dominated the first-half possession with 65%, while they had 15 attempts - four of which were on target. Atletico, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their four attempts. There have already been three yellow cards at the Bernabeu, and I suspect that number will continue to rise.

BENCH WATCH! Atletico boss Simeone has a number of attacking options on his bench this afternoon, with the likes of Angel Correa, Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres all capable of making a difference in the second 45 minutes. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Isco, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric. It is worth noting that both teams have big European matches next week.

RESTART! Atletico resume the action at the Bernabeu...

... no changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace in Madrid.

Real Madrid have been on the front foot in the early stages of the second half, with Carvajal and Marcelo threatening in wide positions. The former has the chance to deliver following good work from Ronaldo, but Hernandez makes the block. Atletico are struggling to get out at the moment here.

Real Madrid have a free kick in a good area as Hernandez brings Vazquez to the deck...

... Kroos delivers into the Atletico box, but Savic is up to make the towering clearance.

Oblak manages to gather a header from Vazquez as Atletico continue to come under pressure.

We have not seen an awful lot from Griezmann in this match, but you suspect that the Frenchman will have some part to play in the second period. It is the type of game that might well be decided by one goal. To be honest, both teams will see next week's European ties as bigger than this league fixture.

Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 53rd minute as Bale hangs a wonderful cross towards the far post, and Ronaldo volleys into the bottom corner of the net. Brilliant goal from the home side!

Atletico need to be careful that this match does not get away from them as Real Madrid continue to force the issue. The visitors have not offered too much in the final third since the interval here.

Navas manages to palm clear a cross from Saul, and Marcelo is on hand to thump up the field under pressure from Griezmann. Better from Atletico as we head for the final 30 minutes of action here.

Atletico level the scores just before the hour as Griezmann pokes home from inside the box after Vitolo had managed to squeeze the ball into the Frenchman! Real Madrid are shocked here.

SAVE! Navas has to keep out a strike from Koke as Atletico threaten again!

ATLETICO SUB! Correa replaces Vitolo for the away side.

Real Madrid are preparing to make their first change of the match as Benzema readies himself.

REAL MADRID SUB! Benzema replaces Ronaldo for the home side. Crikey!

No more Ronaldo in this match. Some call from Zidane. I know Ronaldo will be keen to be fresh for the clash with Juventus, but Real Madrid have a 3-0 advantage in that Champions League quarter-final.

Little over 20 minutes of this Madrid derby remaining, and you do get the feeling that there is a third goal in this match. Atletico have been very strong since falling behind in the 53rd minute of action.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with Atletico sitting deep once again. It is almost as if the visitors had to fall behind before allowing themselves to attack here.

Half-chance for Atletico as Saul drives into a dangerous position before looking to pick out the far corner, but the ball was always moving wide of the post. Should have done better from there.

ATLETICO SUB! Gabi replaces Costa for the away side.

REAL MADRID SUBS! Isco and Modric replace Asensio and Kovacic.

Still more than 15 minutes of football remaining, and you do get the feeling that there is a third goal in this match. Real Madrid are on the front foot, with Modric and Isco bring freshness to the team.

As it stands, Atletico would stay four points clear of third-placed Real Madrid in second position. The home side are pressing, however, and there is still plenty of football to be played in this match.

Half-chance for the home side as Bale meets a cross from Carvajal, but the ball drops wide of the post. It would be a big moment for Bale if the Welshman came up with a second for his team.

Modric misses the post with a low strike from just inside the Atletico box.

This does not look great for Vazquez as the Real Madrid attacker goes down near the corner flag having seemingly twisted his ankle. The home side have already used all three subs in this game.

CHANCE! Huge chance for the away side to score as Griezmann delivers a fine pass towards Correa, who was unmarked, but the Argentine just cannot make contact!

ATLETICO SUB! Gameiro replaces Thomas for the away side.

Vazquez is back on the field for Real Madrid, but he does not look comfortable. It seemed like a twist for the attacker, and he is hobbling around as we head for the final five minutes of this match.

All Real Madrid at the moment as they continue to press, but Atletico are just so strong at the back. The visitors also have a big threat on the counter-attack with Gameiro and Griezmann.

Kroos hammers over the crossbar with an effort from outside the Atletico box.

BOOKING! Vazquez (Real Madrid) is booked for diving inside the Atletico box.

I should not imagine that there will be too much added time at the end of the 90.

BOOKING! Hernandez (Atletico) is booked for a foul on Bale.

Real Madrid have a free kick in a very dangerous area as Isco is felled by Savic...

... SAVE! Flying save from Oblak to keep out a Ramos free kick!

CLOSE! From the resulting corner, Ramos hammers a header just over!

We are into the final minute of stoppage time at the Bernabeu.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Ronaldo sent Real Madrid ahead early in the second half, but Griezmann answered back for the visitors. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Until next time!