Simeone and Mourinho Renew Rivalry as Atletico Host Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid will welcome Real Madrid on Sunday with a familiar managerial rivalry restored to the touchline, as Diego Simeone prepares to face Jose Mourinho for the first time since 2014. Real begin the seventh round of the La Liga season two points above their city neighbours, although both clubs remain behind early leaders Barcelona.

A renewed contest between Simeone and Mourinho

The derby brings together two coaches whose previous meetings were shaped by high-stakes domestic and European competition. Mourinho won each of their first three encounters, but has not beaten Simeone in the three matches since. The Atletico coach has two victories from their six meetings.

• Simeone’s most notable win over Mourinho came in the 2012-13 Copa del Rey final, a Madrid derby that Atletico won.
• Atletico also eliminated Mourinho’s Chelsea in the 2014 Champions League semi-finals.
• The pair return to opposition dugouts after a gap of more than a decade, with their sides again competing at the top end of Spanish football.

Simeone played down the significance of past results before the match, stressing his respect for the Real Madrid manager. He said he does not spend time looking back at events from years ago, adding that he has long admired Mourinho’s work and has followed his career closely.

The Argentine also said Mourinho was aware of the esteem in which he is held, and expressed hope that their latest meeting would maintain the competitive standard of their previous games.

Atletico weigh up Alvarez’s role

Atletico’s selection concerns are concentrated in attack. Alexander Sorloth is unavailable through injury, increasing the importance of Jonathan David, who has scored twice across his last two appearances for the Rojiblancos.

Julian Alvarez, a major target during the summer window after his Manchester City spell, has not played in Atletico’s recent league matches against Real Sociedad and Osasuna. His absence has raised questions over his readiness and place in Simeone’s plans, but the coach confirmed that the Argentina forward will be part of the derby squad.

Simeone said the decision would come later on whether Alvarez starts the match or is introduced after the interval.

Real Madrid’s transition threat

Real arrive after a 3-2 win away to Elche on Tuesday and have lost only once in all competitions this season, with Real Betis responsible for that defeat. Mourinho’s team have been particularly effective after regaining possession, using the pace of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior to turn midfield mistakes into attacking opportunities.

Simeone identified that phase of the game as the central danger for his side. He accepted that Madrid have been stronger in transition, explaining that they immediately look for Mbappe and Vinicius when possession changes hands. Atletico, he said, must manage the game carefully and avoid the turnovers that would allow Real to exploit open spaces at the Metropolitano.