Madrid vs Atletico preview: Derby rivals lock horns for first trophy in 2020s

Capital rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will lock horns in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday night having both come through their respective semi-finals.

Zinedine Zidane's side booked their spot in the showpiece final courtesy of a 3-1 success over Valencia, while Atletico beat Barcelona 3-2 to advance.

In the grand scheme of things, Los Blancos will feel that they have bigger fish to fry this season, but the chance to land the Super Cup at the expense of their bitter rivals means that the importance of the match cannot be downplayed.

This is a trophy that Real Madrid have won on 10 occasions, with their last success coming in 2017. They will also enter the match having not lost in any competition since October 19, which has seen them keep pace at the top of La Liga, in addition to qualifying for the last-16 stage of the Champions League.

Atletico's spot in the new-look competition was confirmed courtesy of finishing second in La Liga last season. They were, on paper, handed a tougher semi-final than Real Madrid having been paired with Barcelona.

The Spanish champions led 2-1 just past the hour on Thursday, but late goals from Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa saw Diego Simeone's side record a 3-2 win to book their spot in Sunday's showpiece final.

The Red and Whites have not been without their problems this season, but they have now won their last five matches in all competitions, overcoming Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League, Osasuna, Real Betis and Levante in La Liga, and Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.

Team News

Real Madrid

Marcelo is expected to start at left-back ahead of Ferland Mendy for the favourites.

Fede Valverde is backed to get a start in midfield after impressing Zinedine Zidane in recent months.

Luka Jovic and Rodrygo should make up an inexperienced forward line for Los Blancos.

Atletico Madrid

Jose Gimenez and Felipe will continue at centre-back for Atletico Madrid with the latter impressing heavily of late.

Angel Correa is expected to start on the right-hand side of midfield after scoring an important semi-final goal.

Koke has a knock and therefore should be rested as a precaution.

Probable Lineups

Whoscored prediction:

Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid