- The Hezbollah commanders killed in Israeli strikes
- Shigeru Ishiba: Abe-critic wins Japan top job at last
- Former defence minister Ishiba to be Japan's PM after winning party vote
- Iran treads carefully, backing Hezbollah while avoiding war
- Draper ousts second seed Hurkacz at Japan Open
- EasyJet founder makes life hard for 'brand thieves'
- Return to sender: waste stranded at sea stirs toxic dispute
- 'Broken' news industry faces uncertain future
- On remote Greek island, migratory birds offer climate clues
- Ishiba, Takaichi face off in Japan ruling party vote for next PM
- Taken from mother by nuns, victim seeks answers as pope visits Belgium
- 595th-ranked Zhang stuns US Open semi-finalist Navarro in Beijing
- Cowboys halt skid with victory over Giants
- Indian artisans tackle waste with creative upcycling
- Morbidelli fastest in first Indonesia MotoGP practice
- China cuts amount banks hold in reserve to boost lending
- Hong Kong, Shanghai extend surge as China optimism boosts markets
- Hardline French interior boss stirs controversy just days into job
- Israel defies ceasefire calls ahead of Netanyahu UN address
- France rugby superstar Dupont checks out NFL's Chargers on LA 'vacation'
- Pope to meet sexual abuse victims in Belgium visit
- Gaza war resonates but has global diplomacy shifted one year on?
- Yankees down Orioles to claim 21st division title
- Vietnam president reiterates support for Cuba during official visit
- Madrid return to scene of last defeat for Atletico derby clash
- 'Dangerous' duo Wirtz and Musiala highlight Bayern-Leverkusen showdown
- Springboks rally behind under-fire Libbok before title decider
- Ailing New Zealand butterfly collector gives away life's work
- Mexico's new president takes reins of shaky economy
- 'Misinformation megaphone': Musk stokes tension before US election
- Australia eye strong start in bid to topple All Blacks
- Plan to overturn commercial whaling moratorium sinks in Peru
- Man City must solve Rodri riddle, Ten Hag vexed by Man Utd miscues
- Ricciardo thanks fans for 'wild' ride after RB axing
- US regulator urges safety checks on some Boeing 737 rudders
- Scheffler-Kim spat spices 5-0 US rout to open Presidents Cup
- 'I need to go': Floridians make final preparations for Hurricane Helene
- Somali-Canadian rapper K'naan accused of sexual assault
- Japan ruling party votes for next PM
- Macron, Trudeau pledge common front on economy, language
- Harris slams Ukraine 'surrender' policy with Trump confirming Zelensky meet
- Drought reduces Amazon River in Colombia by as much as 90%: report
- Athletics pay emotional farewell to Oakland in last home game before move
- Stay or go? Pacific Islanders face climate's grim choice
- Americans sweep four-balls to grab 5-0 lead at Presidents Cup
- Armenian PM says peace with Azerbaijan 'within reach'
- Israel defies ceasefire calls and vows to keep battling Hezbollah
- 'Stir crazy' McKeown breaks 100m backstroke short-course world record
- Ten-man Spurs cruise in Europa League opener despite Son injury scare
- Iran shows 'willingness' to re-engage on nuclear issue: IAEA chief to AFP
Madrid return to scene of last defeat for Atletico derby clash
Spanish and European champions Real Madrid were unstoppable last season, unless they were facing city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The only two defeats Los Blancos suffered were inflicted by Diego Simeone's side, who host Real Madrid on Sunday in a spicy La Liga derby clash.
Atletico were the last team to beat Madrid in the top flight, just over a year ago, with Carlo Ancelotti's men unbeaten in 39 games since.
The Rojiblancos also turfed Madrid out of the Copa del Rey in January 2024 in the last 16, which is the only loss Madrid have fallen to in the calendar year.
Madrid are without star summer signing Kylian Mbappe after he suffered a thigh injury in the midweek win over Alaves, but still have a galaxy of attacking stars to call on.
Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, often the target of abuse from Atletico supporters, has hit top form ahead of the derby, while midfielder Jude Bellingham may be given more attacking responsibilities.
Young striker Endrick is another option for Ancelotti, with the Brazilian teenager impressing off the bench when given chances to play so far.
Another option is to play with Luka Modric as an extra midfielder in a return to the 4-4-2 formation rather than maintaining the 4-3-3 used so far to help Madrid minimise Atletico's threat.
After a sluggish start to the campaign where Madrid drew at Mallorca and Las Palmas inside the first three league games, now Los Blancos have won five in a row across all competitions.
"We're getting better and it suits us because the schedule is very demanding," said Ancelotti this week.
"We've come back well after the break and we want to continue like this for Sunday's game, which is going to be very tough."
Madrid, second, trail leaders Barcelona by four points and it could be seven by the time the derby kicks off with Hansi Flick's side facing Osasuna on Saturday.
Atletico come into the match two points behind Los Blancos after a fortunate late 1-0 win at Celta Vigo, earned by Julian Alvarez's 90th-minute strike.
"(The derby) is a very important game... We have to prepare and think well about this match that will be important for what's to come, and for the season," said Alvarez.
The forward could start after coming off the bench against Celta, with Simeone using Alvarez in a variety of different roles so far.
"He's a versatile player, he can play upfront, he can play (in midfield), he gives us more options," said the coach.
Player to watch: Aimar Oroz
The Osasuna midfielder is his team's biggest hope of denting Barcelona's 100 percent record when the Liga leaders visit El Sadar on Saturday. Oroz, 22, offers a decent goal threat in support of Croatian target man Ante Budimir, as well as energy to battle with Barca in the middle.
Key stats
14 - Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni has made the most interceptions in the league.
21 - Barca winger Lamine Yamal has been fouled the most in the top flight.
27 - Saves made by over-worked Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, more than any other goalkeeper.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
Friday
Valladolid v Mallorca (1900)
Saturday
Getafe v Alaves (1200), Rayo Vallecano v Leganes (1415), Real Sociedad v Valencia (1630), Osasuna v Barcelona (1900)
Sunday
Celta Vigo v Girona (1200), Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla (1415), Real Betis v Espanyol (1630), Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid (1900)
Monday
Villarreal v Las Palmas (1900)
F.Pavlenko--BTB