Real Madrid has played the first six match days without losing a single point. As head coach, Xabi Alonso is facing Diego Simeone and Atletico for the third time—and yet the constellation is a very special one for the Spaniard.
Diego Simeone has been coaching Atlético Madrid for almost 14 years now, with 745 competitive games as Colchoneros head coach under his belt. Simeone has played 47 of those games—the most against any single team—against city rivals Real (12 wins, 15 draws, 20 losses) . The 48th duel with Los Blancos will take place on Saturday (4:15 p.m.), when Atletico’s rival will be led into the derby by Xabi Alonso for the first time.
For the Spaniard, this will be his second encounter with Simeone, after the two coaches faced each other on the sidelines once before in the 2022/23 Champions League group stage. The result back then: a 2-2 draw at Madrid’s Metropolitano, of course during his time as Leverkusen coach.
At the Blancos, on the other hand, the 43-year-old is still at the beginning of his tenure, which currently includes 13 competitive games, including the Club World Cup and the Champions League. That’s one of the reasons why Xabi Alonso says: “What Simeone has achieved during his 14 years at Atleti is very significant.” However, he is not setting himself a “long-term goal” – such as coaching in Madrid for 14 years as well – saying: “I’m only just starting out and prefer to take it step by step.”
The next step will now take place in the derby, whose “wonderful atmosphere” the former professional was also able to experience during his playing days. “In the days leading up to it, you can feel the mood in the city. When you know what’s at stake tomorrow, it motivates you even more. You want to do well – both as a team and as individual players.”
Real’s coach does not attach too much importance to his last guest appearance at the Metropolitano with Werkself, as there is a big difference between “going to the Metropolitano with any other team or with Real Madrid, due to the healthy rivalry that exists. It’s nice, we’ve enjoyed it for many years. Hopefully we can continue to enjoy it – including tomorrow.”
Bellingham and Camavinga are ready – will the 1-1 streak end?
With the exception of the long-term injured players, Xabi Alonso has a full squad to choose from – and may be able to field two returning players in the starting lineup for the first time this season. Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga have both come off the bench in the last two games, but according to Xabi Alonso, the two midfielders are ready to start in the derby and secure a seventh consecutive league win.
Even if the table “doesn’t mean much at the moment,” the Royals have the opportunity to extend their lead over the Colchoneros to a full twelve points at this early stage. Despite the disappointing start by Simeone’s team, which has only managed two wins and three draws so far, Real’s coach warns of a “difficult game” because “winning at the Metropolitano is never easy.”
This is clearly demonstrated by the last three league matches, which all ended 1-1.