Madrid, Spain | THE INDEPENDENT | The ‘Derbi Madrileño’ (Madrid Derby) between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid is the standout fixture of Matchday 8 in the 2024-25 La Liga season – with the two capital city heavyweights set to put on a thrilling show on Sunday night.
Atletico and Real will clash at the Metropolitano Stadium, with the teams not only looking to capture local bragging rights, but also boost their hopes of winning the league title by taking three points off one of their main rivals.
The ‘Rojiblancos’ claimed two home wins over ‘Los Blancos’ last season – one in La Liga, the other in the Copa del Rey – and manager Diego Simeone knows that his team has what it takes to fell the reigning champions.
“Those wins showed that at home we can overcome even a team with the strength and character of Real Madrid,” noted the Argentine. “These matches are always very special… a great battle, with our fans fully behind us. We expect another match in which we will have to produce our very best to get the result we want.”
Sunday – aside from the Madrid derby – also features Athletic Bilbao hosting Sevilla, Girona visiting Celta Vigo and Real Betis welcoming Espanyol to the Benito Villamarin Stadium, while the round closes out on Monday night with ‘The Yellow Submarine’ Villarreal hosting Las Palmas at the Ceramica Stadium.
Match details
Sunday 29 September
– 14:00: Celta Vigo v Girona
– 16:15: Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla
– 18:30: Real Betis v Espanyol
– 21:00: Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
Monday 30 September
– 21:00: Villarreal v Las Palmas