La Liga’s top talent will be on full display when Atlético Madrid host Real Madrid on Sunday, September 29.

The first Madrid derby of the 2024-2025 season will look different from the four that took place in all competitions last season. Real Madrid said goodbye to Toni Kroos and welcomed Kylian Mbappé, who will miss the match due to an injury. Atlético Madrid now has Julián Alvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Conor Gallagher and Robin Le Normand.

Diego Simeone’s men handed Real Madrid their only La Liga defeat in the winning season last year, and that was before the club’s big signings arrived this summer. The match promises to be La Liga’s most exciting and heated match yet, especially if each team’s best players perform in the deep-rooted rivalry.

5. Julian Alvarez

Alvarez is set to feature in his first-ever Madrid derby after joining Atlético Madrid this summer. The ex-Manchester City man has struggled to get going for his new club, scoring just two goals in eight games.

However, the Argentine’s slow start would be forgotten if he got on the scoresheet against Real Madrid. Los Blancos looked vulnerable on the counter-attack, conceding at least one goal in five of their last eight games. Alvarez can use his pace against Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger to get on target; then all he has to do is beat Thibaut Courtois.

4. Conor Gallagher

Of all Simeone’s summer signings, Gallagher feels most at home at Atlético Madrid. The midfielder just scored his second goal in three games last weekend and continues to epitomize Simeone football. He fits perfectly into the team’s fast counter-attack, wins many duels and uses well-timed tackles to regain possession for his team.

Gallagher will have a tough test in store against Real Madrid’s midfield. Ancelotti is likely to roll out a 4-4-2 in the wake of Mbappe’s injury, giving the England international plenty to do if he is to find time on the ball against Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni and possibly Eduardo Camavinga.

3. Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann delivered the winner for Simeone’s side both times Atlético Madrid hosted Real Madrid last season, sending the future Spanish champions home with their first and only La Liga defeat and knocking them out of the Copa del Rey.

At 33 years old, the Frenchman was Atlético Madrid’s best player this season. Griezmann has already provided three goals and three assists in all competitions and often creates the most chances for his side in every match. He knows Real Madrid well and has the vision and ability to make Ancelotti’s team pay in the final third if given just enough time and space.

2. Judas Bellingham

Real Madrid is a different team with Bellingham. The midfielder missed four games at the start of the season due to injury and Real Madrid scored only four goals from open play against domestic competition. Since Bellingham’s return we knew Los Blancos found the back of the net ten times in three matches.

Last season, the England international played as a false nine in both La Liga Madrid derbies and failed to make a major impact in either match. Not only will he be in a similar role again on Sunday, but he is also dealing with a recurring shoulder injury that could become a factor in such a physical game.

1. Vinicius Junior

With Mbappé out, Vinícius Júnior is the man to watch for Real Madrid. The Brazilian is coming off a Ballon d’Or-worthy season that ended with 24 goals in all competitions as Los Blancos topped La Liga and the Champions League.

Vinicius Jr. may have only scored three goals in nine games for Real Madrid so far this season, but he still leads the team’s attack from the left wing. Whether he’s playing against players or sending clever balls to his teammates in the final third, the 24-year-old’s dominance with the ball at his feet usually leads to the majority of Los Blancos’ success.