Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid CF

Barcelona have set the early pace in La Liga with 12 points from four games, giving this derby fresh stakes. Real Madrid sit third with nine points, three clear of Atletico Madrid in seventh. An early statement is up for grabs for either side. Real Madrid won three of their first four league games before a 1-0 defeat at Betis ended their unbeaten start, with Kylian Mbappe the standout, scoring four league goals including a hat-trick against Real Sociedad, and Jude Bellingham also contributing. Atletico have been streakier under Diego Simeone, following two wins and a draw with a heavy 3-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao, though Alex Baena has led their early attack, including a brace against Sevilla. History favors Atletico for now, who thrashed their rivals 5-2 at the Metropolitano in last season's corresponding derby. Both sides will be eager to shake off recent setbacks before this one. Our prediction: 2-1