Real Madrid will face their rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga without star signing Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined for three weeks with a hamstring injury. Despite the absence of their star forward, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains confident in his team’s ability to cope.
“Obviously playing without Mbappe changes things a bit, but not much,” Ancelotti said. “We’re used to playing without him because last year he wasn’t here. It’s a pity that he’s not here, but his absence we can cover for well.”
Real Madrid boasts a formidable attacking lineup that includes Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Vinicius Junior, who is a potential Ballon d’Or winner. The Brazilian has been in scintillating form lately and is expected to lead the charge against Diego Simeone’s side.
However, Vinicius has been subjected to racial abuse in the past, including during previous visits to Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium. This week, a group of Atletico supporters launched a campaign encouraging fans to wear face masks to the stadium to facilitate undetected abuse.
Ancelotti declined to comment on the issue but expressed confidence that the match would be an entertaining spectacle. “It’s a difficult game, that’s clear, but each match has its own story and we have a plan, let’s see if it goes well,” he said.
Real Madrid lost to Atletico in September 2023 but has remained unbeaten in 39 La Liga matches since. “We have to avoid the mistakes of last year, that’s quite obvious,” Ancelotti said. “What we’ve learned could serve us well for tomorrow’s game.”
Ancelotti confirmed that French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has recovered from an injury and is fit to participate in the derby.
