UK viewers can watch the Madrid Derby live on Premier Sports on 22 March, with
coverage is available on all Premier Sports TV and Premier Sports channels
broadcast platform. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm GMT.
This month, the capital of Spain stops and as they are 22, Atletico Madrid
hosts Real Madrid in the latest edition of the Madrid derby – a match with Diego
Simeone has also been a constant presence in the Atletico dugout.
However, this contains a new story. Standing in the opposite technical area
it will be Alvaro Arbeloa, in charge of his first Madrid game as head coach.
He becomes the 10th different Real Madrid manager that Simeone has faced in this competition
– and the ninth change of management at the Bernabeu since Argentina took over
Atletico in December 2011.
As Atletico beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the previous league match
this season, the questions before the rematch are clear. Can Simeone continue a
a new trend to disturb the new managers of Madrid? Or, can Arbeloa catch up early
advantage in their personal duel and give his side important points in the title race?
Simeone vs New Madrid Managers – First Countdown
Since his arrival in 2011, Simeone has faced 9 Real Madrid managers
competitive derbies. Arbeloa will be the 10th.
In those first 9 meetings against the new manager of Madrid, Simeone’s record is read
almost equally, which shows how unpredictable the Madrid Derby can be:
● Win: 3
● Drawings: 3
● Loss: 3
● Win percentage: 33%
While the numbers show an even split, they underscore just how competitive they are
Madrid Derby can be. Simeone has ensured that Atletico remain unchanged
obstacle to Real Madrid, regardless of who is sitting in the Bernabeu.
Overall, in Madrid derbies as Atletico manager, Simeone’s record reads as follows:
● Games: 45
● Winner: 12
● Drawings: 15
● Loss: 18
● Winning percentage: 26.7%
That extensive record shows the challenge of dealing with one of the European countries
decorated clubs. Before Simeone’s arrival, Atletico had failed to beat Real Madrid
in LaLiga for 14 years. Under him, they raised domestic and European trophies
and reached two Champions League finals, turning the rivalry from one-sided
very competitive.
Another win this month won’t end the league double this season, though
it will also mark down another first Madrid Derby
The opponent.
Arbeloa’s Derby History – From Defender to Decision Maker
For Arbeloa, the derby is not a new place emotionally – but tactically, this is
unexplored ground.
As a Real Madrid player, he faced Simeone’s Atletico many times. His acting
The record directly against Simeone-owned parties stands at:
● Wins: 4
● Drawings: 4
● Loss: 4
However, the challenge now is different. As a manager, Arbeloa must find solutions
against an in-form Atletico Madrid.
Arbeloa’s Real Madrid need points. For the title race well
standing, slipping is dangerous to give Barcelona a boost. A derby, as
In general, it is not just the size of the area – it will shape the effects of the subject and the
picture of Champions League places for next season.
Derby Stakes
For Simeone, this is about control, which strengthens Atletico’s position in the competition
and sharpening his personal record against Real Madrid’s ever-changing dugout.
For Arbeloa, it’s about declaration – proving he can translate his own
understanding the conflict as a player in the management of tactics as a manager. Because
Real Madrid, it’s about necessity as the title race leaves little margin for error.
Don’t miss Real Madrid vs Atlético de Madrid this Sunday, March 22, available live
in the UK on Premier Sports, 8:00pm GMT kick-off.
