Real Madrid News
Numbers – Simeone set for major milestone on Arbeloa’s Madrid derby debut
Few fixtures in world football carry the intensity of a Madrid derby, and this weekend’s clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid promises to be no different.
The stakes are already high, but there is an added edge to this encounter.
Real Madrid head into the game with revenge on their minds after suffering a painful 5-2 defeat in the previous meeting.
While the focus will naturally be on the result, this match also marks a historic milestone for Diego Simeone.
What’s the story?
The Atletico boss is set to take charge of his 50th derby against Real Madrid. As such, of those encounters, 20 have come at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Across the 49 previous meetings, Simeone has registered 14 wins, 17 draws, and 18 defeats.
While the balance is tight, recent visits to the Bernabeu offer encouragement, as Atletico have not lost there in La Liga since the 2021/22 season, with their last three league trips ending in 1-1 draws.
A new chapter on the Madrid bench
There will, however, be one unusual detail this time.
For years, Simeone’s biggest tactical battles came against Carlo Ancelotti. Across 26 derby clashes, both managers won nine games each, drawing the remaining eight.
This time, though, the familiar face will be missing. Instead, Simeone will come up against Alvaro Arbeloa.
In fact, Arbeloa becomes the eighth different Real Madrid coach Simeone has faced, following names like Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, against whom he played 13 times, Jose Mourinho (4), and others.
For Real Madrid, this match will be about redemption.
On the other hand, for Atletico, it is another opportunity to assert dominance in a fixture where margins are always fine.
The Bernabeu will set the stage, the rivalry will provide the fire, and history will add the pressure. And when the whistle blows, none of that will matter – only the result will.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
