Can Atletico Avoid Slip-Ups in Their First Madrid Derby This Week?
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Synopsis
Atletico Madrid faces Rayo Vallecano in a crucial La Liga derby, needing victories to keep title hopes alive. With key players injured and pressure mounting, can Diego Simeone’s side rise to the occasion this week?
Key Takeaways
- Atletico Madrid must win both derbies this week to maintain their title hopes.
- Injuries to key players like Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez are a significant concern.
- The Madrid derby holds immense significance for local pride and league standings.
- FC Barcelona faces challenges with injuries affecting their squad depth.
- Key match-ups could define the trajectory of the season for several teams.
Madrid (Spain), Sep 23 (NationPress) Atletico Madrid is set to face off against Rayo Vallecano this Wednesday in the sixth round of La Liga. This match marks the first of two crucial derbies for Atletico this week, and Diego Simeone's squad must secure victories in both matches; otherwise, their chances at the title may dwindle significantly before the end of September.
After a 1-1 draw with Mallorca, Atletico finds itself trailing by nine points behind reigning champions Real Madrid. With Real Madrid taking on Levante on Tuesday, the gap could widen to twelve points before the game at the Metropolitano Stadium. Hosting Real on Saturday, Simeone’s team must achieve two wins to keep their title aspirations alive.
Notably, striker Alexander Sorloth will be absent for Wednesday’s match due to a red card received in the game against Mallorca. Meanwhile, there are concerns regarding forward Julian Alvarez, who has not hit the net since the opening match of the season, as reported by Xinhua.
Wednesday’s action kicks off with Getafe facing Alaves, both teams looking to recover from recent defeats. Getafe faced a tough match against Barcelona, while Alaves suffered a disappointing home loss to Sevilla. Coach Eduardo Coudet is likely to bolster his midfield in response to the challenging opposition.
Tensions run high in San Sebastian as Real Sociedad, currently in 18th place, clashes with 19th-placed Mallorca, both desperately seeking their first win of the season.
Sociedad arrives after three consecutive losses and has a challenging game against Barcelona this weekend, while Mallorca recently displayed resilience by earning a point against Atletico. Key figures to watch are Sociedad’s captain Mikel Oyarzabal and Mallorca’s striker Vedat Muriqi.
In Barcelona, the club has endured a double injury blow. Fermin Lopez has sustained a muscle injury, and Spanish international Gavi will undergo exploratory surgery on a knee issue.
Fermin sustained his injury during the closing moments of Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Getafe and is expected to be sidelined for approximately three weeks, missing crucial fixtures including Thursday's game against Oviedo and a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
For Gavi, the situation is worse as he prepares for an arthroscopic examination of his right knee to address a lingering issue. He had previously torn his knee's cruciate ligament in November 2023 and had just returned to play before the problem resurfaced.
Despite undergoing intense sporting stress tests, the club has announced that an update on Gavi's condition will be provided post-surgery.
Additionally, Barca coach Hansi Flick has concerns regarding the fitness of winger Lamine Yamal, who has missed the last two matches due to a pelvic injury, alongside midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is dealing with an ankle issue.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the importance of this week's derbies for Atletico Madrid. The pressure is palpable, and with the stakes so high, fans are eager to see whether the team can reclaim its status in La Liga. This reflects a broader narrative of perseverance in sports, where every match counts.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Atletico Madrid's chances in the upcoming derbies?
Atletico Madrid must secure wins in both derbies to keep their title hopes alive, making their chances dependent on strong performances.
How will injuries affect Atletico's performance?
Injuries to key players like Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez could hinder Atletico's chances, adding pressure on the remaining squad.
What is the significance of the Madrid derby?
The Madrid derby is crucial for both Atletico and Real Madrid, representing local pride and competitive rivalry in La Liga.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming matches?
Key players include Mikel Oyarzabal for Sociedad and Vedat Muriqi for Mallorca, as well as Atletico's remaining squad members who need to step up.
What are the implications of Barcelona's injury issues?
Barcelona's injury setbacks with Gavi and Fermin Lopez could impact their performance in upcoming matches, affecting their title race.
