Evening all!
Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Spanish capital and it is quite a big one as
Real Madrid welcome the defending champions
Atletico Madrid to the Bernabeu. It might be early in the season, but neither team will want to suffer defeat here, especially with both already dropping points in the new campaign. The team news is expected in the next five or 10 minutes.
In the league, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have met on 154 occasions in their history. Real have picked up 85 wins to Atletico's 36, with the further 33 games ending with a share of the spoils. Taking it further, Real have scored 275 times during those 154 matches, in contrast to Atletico's 204. Los Blancos have dominated this fixture overall, but Atletico are now a different animal entirely.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the Real Madrid XI this evening, while there are also starts for Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao in the full-back positions. Javier Hernandez is named on the bench, with Karim Benzema leading the line. For Atletico, Raul Jimenez is given a start alongside Mario Mandzukic in attack, while Raul Garcia is also selected. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
REAL: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Modric, Kroos; Ronaldo, James, Bale; Benzema
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira; Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Garcia; Jimenez, Mandzukic
As mentioned, Ronaldo returns to the Madrid XI, while Coentrao comes into the team at left-back in place of Marcelo. Dani Carvajal and Sami Khedira are both injured, with Arbeloa and James Rodriguez both starting. As expected, Iker Casillas starts in goal as Keylor Navas continues to wait for his chance.
For Atletico, Tiago comes into their XI in place of Mario Suarez, while there is a surprise start for Jimenez in attack. There is also some interesting news on their bench, with Antoine Griezmann joined by fit-again
Arda Turan and new signing Alessio Cerci. Plenty of options for Diego Simeone this evening.
The two sides have already met twice this season, with Atletico's La Liga win last season and Real Madrid's Copa del Rey victory placing the pair in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Atletico picked up a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in the first leg, before winning 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon to claim the trophy.
Last season, Atletico were also 1-0 winners in this fixture, with now Chelsea forward Diego Costa scoring the winner at the Bernabeu. The league clash at the Calderon, however, ended in a 2-2 draw. The pair also met in the Copa del Rey semi-finals last season, with Real Madrid coming through comfortable winners over the two legs before beating the old enemy Barcelona in the final.
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Atletico's La Liga win at the Bernabeu last season was the first time that they had won at Real Madrid in the league since the 1999-2000 campaign, when they picked up a 3-1 victory. Real Madrid's recent league record at the Calderon has also been exceptional – remaining unbeaten at their rivals since the 1998-1999 season, picking up 10 wins in the process. The atmosphere is starting to build at the Bernabeu.
Matches between these two sides have always been important, but in terms of the city rather than in terms of the league. That has now changed, however, with Atletico claiming the La Liga title last season under the stewardship of Diego Simeone. The pair also met in the final of the Champions League last season, with Real Madrid coming through 4-1 winners after Sergio Ramos levelled late in the 90 minutes.
In terms of the league, Real opened their season with a 2-0 win over Cordoba, who caused Carlo Ancelotti's side problems. They looked on course to make it two wins from two matches after taking a 2-0 lead at Real Sociedad last time out, but the home side turned it around at the Anoeta to claim a 4-2 win.
Should Real Madrid suffer defeat this evening, they would already be six points behind the leaders Barcelona and four behind Atletico. It is early days of course, but they will not want to concede too much ground to either team at this stage of the campaign. In many ways, this is the perfect chance for Los Blancos to regain some confidence, but Atletico are the masters at gaining results at difficult grounds.
Real Madrid will have one eye on the Champions League, however, with their Group B campaign starting next week at home to Basel. Victory this evening would give them a good platform entering that match, while they travel to Deportivo La Coruna on September 20. It is a big few weeks for Ancelotti's side.
Atletico, meanwhile, have had an interesting summer to say the least with key players Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luis and Costa all moving to Chelsea, but signings in the shape of Griezmann and Mandzukic have appeased the supporters. The base of their team remains strong and another La Liga challenge is expected.
Like Real, however, Atletico have also dropped points this season, with Diego Simeone's side starting their title defence with a 0-0 draw at Rayo Vallecano. In truth, they were lucky to escape that match with a point following a strong second-half display from the hosts.
Atletico did pick up their first three points of the season last time out, however, winning 2-1 at home to Eibar. It was far from comfortable for the defending champions, but they managed to get over the line to record a vital win. They have enjoyed playing Real Madrid in recent matches, but they are without their manager this evening, with Simeone still serving a touchline ban. It could play a big role.
Atletico also begin their Champions League campaign next week with a trip to Greece to take on Olympiacos. Next time out in the league, meanwhile, Atletico host Celta Vigo. The season might only have just started, but the games – important ones at that – are coming thick and fast for the La Liga champions.
Did you know? The largest victory ever recorded in this fixture has been 5-0, which has occurred on three separate occasions. Atletico were 5-0 winners during the 1947-48 season, while Real Madrid have beaten Atletico 5-0 twice – once in the 1958-59 season and once in the 1983-84 season.
PREDICTION: Have a look at what I had to say about this match here...
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. We are almost ready for Real versus Atletico.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. What a time to be in the Spanish capital. It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes of action at the Bernabeu underway.
Possession football from Real Madrid in the opening couple of minutes, with Atletico dropping into their defensive shape, as expected. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match. Fairly calm opening two minutes to this all-Madrid affair.
Couple of late challenges for the referee to deal with as Jimenez dives into the back of Ramos, but the official allows play to continue. Not too much to report in terms of attacking football thus far, however, with Real Madrid enjoying possession in the Atletico half. Patience will be needed for Los Blancos.
Raul Garcia appears to jump into the back of Coentrao during a challenge between the two players, with Coentrao not moving too well at the moment. That is one to watch. The home side have started the stronger in terms of possession, but Atletico are more than prepared to spend long periods without the ball.
Plenty of free kicks in the opening eight minutes - the latest of which comes for Atletico. A half-chance arrives as Siqueira delivers a cross into Garcia, but Ramos is on hand to make the clearance. Koke delivers a cross towards the far post moments later, but Casillas is on hand to claim at the vital moment.
Bale attempts to force the issue for Real Madrid after finding space in a wide area, but he cannot roll a low pass into Ronaldo, with Godin on hand to clear the danger. Still no real chances for either side.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico (Tiago)
Oh wow. Atletico take the lead at the Bernabeu as Tiago heads a Koke corner into the back of the net from close range. Silence inside the stadium. Incredible scenes. Where was the defending?
Ancelotti does not look happy on the sidelines that is for certain. It really was terrible marking from the home side. Real Madrid threaten with a corner of their own moments later, but Godin is on hand to clear. Atletico hardly concede and they have now taken the lead. Over to you Real Madrid.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Ronaldo finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort just moved high of the crossbar. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score the next goal. James comes close for the home side after meeting a cross from Ronaldo, but his effort just drops high of the crossbar. Still 1-0 Atletico with 15 minutes on the clock.
Miranda takes a chance just outside the Atletico box and is closed down by James, but it runs away from the Colombian and the danger is cleared. No real response from the home side thus far it must be said.
Just a reminder that Atletico Madrid won 1-0 at the Bernabeu last season. However, Real Madrid have a lot of time to turn this one around. Surely they cannot afford to lose more ground on Barcelona. Benzema has a half-chance after meeting a cross from James, but his header drops high of the crossbar.
BOOKING! James goes into the book for Real Madrid for dissent.
BOOKING! Godin goes into the book for Atletico after bringing Ronaldo to the ground on the edge of the box. Chance for Los Blancos to threaten from a free kick here...
SAVE! Bale strikes the resulting free kick towards the top corner, but Moya is on hand to make a brilliant save. Excellent free kick, but even better goalkeeping from the Spaniard.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as Bale loses out to Juanfran, before Mandzukic is denied by Ramos down the other end. The opening 25 minutes of this contest in Madrid have just flown past.
PENALTY REAL MADRID!
BOOKING! Siqueira goes into the book as the Atletico left-back brings Ronaldo to the ground inside the box. It is a penalty for the home side after a poor challenge.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico (Ronaldo, pen)
Ronaldo steps up before sending his effort into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the Portuguese. It was never in doubt to be honest. Game on at the Bernabeu with 27 minutes on the clock.
Atletico are all over the place at the moment as Ramos breaks forward before finding Ronaldo, who takes a swing inside the box, but his effort is blocked by Godin. Atletico need to be really careful here as Los Blancos continue to commit numbers in the final third. What a 29 minutes it has been!
These are always proper games aren't they? Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining and Real Madrid are passing and probing in the final third of the field. Bale cuts inside before delivering a cross into the Atletico box, but Moya is on hand to collect at the vital moment under pressure from Benzema.
Atletico just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to dominate the ball in the final third. The champions do gain some respite, however, when Arbeloa blocks Koke in the middle of the pitch. Ronaldo strikes one towards goal moments later, but his effort is wide of the post.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Real Madrid as Ronaldo drives past Juanfran before feeding Benzema, who had an empty penalty box in front of him. However, the Frenchman's touch is poor and Moya is out to collect at the vital moment. That is poor from Benzema, it should have been 2-1 Real Madrid.
Kroos tries his luck for Real Madrid after finding some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the target. Little over five minutes of this action-packed first half remaining. It must be said that the opening 38 minutes have just flown past. It has been brilliant stuff in Madrid.
Half-chance for Benzema as the Frenchman moves past two defenders before striking towards goal, but he drags his effort wide of the post. Jimenez has possession down the other end moments later, but the tall striker cannot control and Casillas has control of the ball. Still 1-1 at the Bernabeu.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Real Madrid as Benzema meets a cross from Bale, but Moya gets down to make a brilliant save. Sensational leap from Benzema, who just hung in the air!
BOOKING! Mandzukic goes into the book for Atletico for a late challenge on Kroos.
Another half-chance for Real Madrid as Pepe meets a corner from Modric, but his effort just drops wide of the post. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining and still the two sides remain level.
Half-chance for Atletico this time as Mandzukic finds Koke outside the Real Madrid box, but the Spaniard's effort moves wide of the post. We look to be heading for the interval all square in the derby.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico
The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Tiago headed Atletico into the lead early on, but Ronaldo equalised for Real Madrid from the penalty spot. As expected, it has been a half full of late challenges and incidents. More of the same in the second half please!
STATS! Real Madrid have had more of the ball with 66%, while they have had 10 attempts - three of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, scored with their only attempt on target. As mentioned, it has been a fiesty half in terms of challenges, with four bookings issued.
BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have summer signing Javier Hernandez on their bench this evening, while Isco is also available for Ancelotti. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Griezmann, Turan and Cerci on their bench. Diego Simeone, arguably of course, has the greater options from the sidelines tonight.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital. Atletico get the half underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. The home side have taken control of the possession in the early moments of the half and James has a strike from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the target.
Koke has the chance to deliver into the Real Madrid box, but his set piece is straight into the arms of Casillas, who releases Coentrao down the left. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the early stages of the second period, but Los Blancos are in charge of the possession at the Bernabeu.
Half-chance for the home side as Pepe finds some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Just a reminder that Atletico are still without their manager Simeone - on the sidelines at least - as the Argentine continues to serve a touchline ban.
Atletico have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the last few minutes, with Mandzukic certainly doing well in holding onto possession. Koke advances into a wide area before delivering for Atletico, but Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. Good spell for the visitors with 54 minutes on the clock.
BOOKING! Atletico captain Gabi is booked for pulling James to the ground.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes and both have plenty of options on the sidelines that is for certain.
Atletico threaten from a set piece as Godin beats Pepe in the air at the far post, but Ramos is on hand to clear the second ball. Real Madrid are down the other end with James moments later, but the attacker cannot hold the ball under pressure from Tiago. Turan could soon appear for the away side...
Half-chance for the home side as Bale meets a cross from Arbeloa, but his header is straight into the arms of Moya. Moments before, Mandzukic had a shot blocked by Ramos down the other end. Still 1-1 at the Bernabeu.
SUB! Atletico make their first change as Turan replaces Gabi.
Jimenez wants a penalty as Bale appears to pull the Mexican to the ground, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given for that it must be said. Still no movement on the Real Madrid bench.
SUB! It is a debut for Hernandez as the Mexican replaces Benzema for Real Madrid.
SUB! Atletico also make a change as Griezmann replaces Jimenez.
BOOKING! Arbeloa has picked up a booking for Real Madrid for a high foot on Koke.
Half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo delivers a cross towards James, who rises above Juanfran at the far post, but Moya is on hand to collect with ease. Atletico are down the other end with Turan moments later, but the Turkish international cannot find Griezmann. Little over 20 minutes of this contest remaining.
BOOKING! Hernandez is booked for Real Madrid for a late challenge on Siqueira.
Plenty of the ball for Real Madrid in this half, but they are struggling to create chances. Atletico have certainly shifted into another gear since Griezmann entered the field, but they are also struggling for opportunities. I backed 1-1 before the match and that is the case with 69 minutes on the clock.
Frustration for Real Madrid as the referee fails to spot a foul on Modric and Atletico have a goal kick after a good spell of possession for the home side. Isco is preparing to enter the field for Los Blancos.
Half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo meets a cross from Arbeloa, but his header was always moving wide of the target. Still 1-1 with little under 20 minutes of football remaining.
SUB! Isco replaces Bale for Real Madrid.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Turan cuts inside two defenders before curling one towards the far corner, but his effort just whistles wide of the post. Wow that was close!
Isco finds some space outside the Atletico box before curling one towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the target. Are we going to have a winner in the final 15 minutes?
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-2 Atletico (Turan)
Atletico take the lead with 76 minutes on the clock as Turan curls a wonderful effort into the bottom corner. Stunning finish from the Turkish attacker. Incredible!
SUBS! Both sides make changes as Varane replaces Arbeloa for Real Madrid and Mario Suarez replaces Mandzukic for Atletico. What a final 10 minutes we have here.
Real Madrid threaten from a free kick as Kroos delivers towards the far post, but Moya just does enough to clear the danger. The pressure continues outside the Atletico box, but Godin manages to scramble clear.
CHANCE! Coentrao delivers a sensational ball into the Atletico box, but there are no takers in a white shirt. Ronaldo picks up the loose ball and delivers once more, but Tiago clears.
Coentrao and Garcia clash in the Real Madrid half, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. Real Madrid are on the attack with Kroos moments later, eventually Ronaldo strikes one from outside the box, but Tiago is across to make the challenge. Kroos then fires one high and wide for the home team.
BOOKING! Modric is booked for Real Madrid for a poor challenge on Suarez.
BOOKING! Miranda is booked for Atletico for a late challenge on Ronaldo.
Real Madrid have little over two minutes of normal time to turn this one around. Defeat here would be disastrous for Los Blancos there is no question about that. However, there is still time...
Brilliant goalkeeping from Moya as the Atletico goalkeeper comes to collect a high ball after a poor free kick from Modric. Still Atletico lead at the Bernabeu. What a three points it would be.
BOOKING! Suarez is into the book for Atletico for a tug on Modric.
Kroos delivers the resulting free kick into the box, but Moya is on hand to collect.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Griezmann to secure all three points for Atletico after breaking into the box, but his effort smashes into the side netting.
We are into the final minute here and still Atletico lead. Incredible.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 1-2 Atletico
So there we have it. Incredible result for Atletico as the La Liga champions once again win at the Bernabeu in La Liga. What a massive blow for Real Madrid, who have now lost back-to-back games in the league. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!