Real Madrid will face off against bitter rivals Atletico Madrid tomorrow in La Liga in the first derby of the 2026/27 season.

The Merengues have made a positive start to the season, winning six of their seven matches in all competitions so far.

But a derby against Atletico is never easy, especially away at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where Real Madrid have not had the best fortune in recent years.

It will be a major test for Jose Mourinho who will go up against his former adversary, Diego Simeone, in one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of this weekend.

Ahead of tomorrow’s derby day, Simeone addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing various things, including the availability of Julian Alvarez and his relationship with Mourinho.

Talking about the importance of the derby and what it meant for Atletico Madrid to get one over Real Madrid in these clashes, Simeone remarked;

“A derby is different. There’s enormous tension and excitement because of the rivalry, because of the competitiveness we’ve managed to rebuild over the last fifteen years. Confidence is a key factor in this match.”

Simeone looking forward to the derby. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)