Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face worrying Metropolitano record ahead of Atletico derby
Real Madrid face a daunting record this weekend as they travel to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Los Blancos will arrive at the Metropolitano knowing Jose Mourinho’s first derby since returning to the club comes with an uncomfortable recent history.
Madrid have found victories remarkably difficult to secure away to Atletico Madrid in La Liga, turning Sunday’s meeting into another significant early test for Mourinho’s new project.
Real Madrid have won just one of their last seven La Liga visits to Atletico’s stadium.
That solitary victory came in September 2022, highlighting just how difficult this fixture has become for Los Blancos.
One victory in seven years
Madrid’s struggles at the Metropolitano stand out because of the club’s success across the same broader period.
They have repeatedly competed for the biggest trophies, yet travelling across the city to face Atletico has consistently produced problems.
The 2022 victory remains the sole exception. However, Mourinho will be the first to admit that historical records do not decide future matches.
Players, managers and tactical approaches change, and Mourinho will approach this derby with a different Madrid side from those involved in previous visits.
However, if there is something the team can learn from these statistics, it is that a trip to the Metropolitano is no easy proposition.
Mourinho faces his first derby test
Mourinho will know that his team face a particularly interesting test on Sunday.
The Portuguese tactician has done a very good job of making Madrid organised collectively while still allowing the individual stars to thrive.
A trip to the Metropolitano provides an ideal examination of that progress. Derbies can become physical, emotional and difficult to handle.
Sunday will be a true test of how far Mourinho’s project has come at the moment and how his players can handle the occasion.
Madrid should not become obsessed with what happened during the previous seven years, but this is precisely the kind of record Mourinho will want his team to leave behind.
Winning difficult away matches against direct rivals is often what separates a good league campaign from a winning one.
Last season, Madrid had enjoyed a perfect start under Xabi Alonso before travelling to the Metropolitano, where they conceded five goals.
Sunday could be the day everyone sits up and takes notice of Mourinho’s project at Madrid, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
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.
