Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has voiced significant concerns regarding his team's inability to control matches, a weakness highlighted after they nearly squandered a two-goal lead against Elche in a recent La Liga fixture, ultimately securing a dramatic 3-2 victory. Mourinho stressed that while scoring goals is important, maintaining control throughout the game is crucial, especially with the upcoming Madrid derby.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid, under coach Diego Simeone, enters the derby in strong form, having secured convincing wins against Osasuna (4-0) and Real Sociedad (3-0) following earlier defeats to Bilbao and Liverpool. Key players like Jonathan David, Lee Kang-in, Robin Le Normand, and Alex Baena contributed to Atletico's recent success. Real Madrid faces the derby without injured players Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy, while Atletico has doubts over Julian Alvarez, Pablo Barrios, and Alexander Sorloth. The Opta supercomputer predicts a Real Madrid victory.