Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher has joined his fellow new signings in talking up the importance of their first derby of the season when they host Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday (8pm BST).
Atleti and the reigning champions are both unbeaten, with Diego Simeone’s side able to leapfrog their rivals by a point if they secure a statement fifth win of their league campaign.
Their visitors are four points behind Barcelona in second after the leaders dropped points for the first time in 2024-25 with a surprise 4-2 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday.
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 28, 2024
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Atleti vs Madrid
“It means so much to the fans,” said England international Gallagher, who moved to Spain from Chelsea for around £36 million, while Julian Alvarez, who also arrived in August from Manchester City for a fee that could rise to £81.5m, called the match “one of the most important derbies in the world”.
“The fans are going to be there cheering us on more than ever,” the striker added of the Wanda Metropolitano, where more than 70,000 supporters are expected to watch in person.
Atleti are three goals away from their 300th against Real Madrid in all competitions but have only outscored one team in the top seven, although they have the best defensive record after conceding only three so far.
Fernando Torres, ídolo generacional pic.twitter.com/W54zyznU9G
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 28, 2024
Mbappe injured
Real Madrid have conceded the second-fewest goals, with five, and scored the second-most behind Barcelona with the help of five goals in four games from new signing Mbappe.
The France captain is out with a hamstring issue as Carlo Ancelotti attempts to record a second win in six editions of the fixture.
Atletico won 3-1 at home to Real Madrid last season, Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann putting them 2-0 ahead after 18 minutes before the Spain striker added another after the break.
Arranca la segunda mitad.
¡VAMOS! 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/qDXR5trzns— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 26, 2024
Madrid derby head to head
Real Madrid have a considerable advantage in the head-to-head count, winning 116 times to the 59 victories Atleti have notched.
Alvarez ensured Atleti prevailed 1-0 at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Thursday, scoring a 90th-minute winner for his second goal of the season.
“The mood of the people this week depends on the result,” said on-loan Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet. “You want to win to fill the fans with pride.”
