Spain braces for Madrid derby

Atletico Madrid's bid for a first La Liga title since 2014 hits a pivotal point as it host city rival Real Madrid tonight.

La Liga leader Atletico Madrid has an opportunity to deal a hammer blow to Real's attempts to retain the league title in a potentially decisive Madrid derby.

Zinedine Zidane's Madrid is in third, level with Barcelona but five points behind Atletico thanks to its 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad last Monday, and defeat on Sunday would leave it eight behind having played a game more.

Barca will be waiting in the wings to consolidate second place with its trip to Osasuna on Sunday, one day after the presidential elections which will beckon in a new era for a team in turmoil off the pitch but showing signs of life on it.

Defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano for Atletico would likely leave it with not just Madrid but also Barca breathing down its necks as the season moves towards its final straight.

"We need to remain calm and show patience, too," Zidane said. "This (Sociedad) result won't affect how we prepare for the derby. We need to go there and play a really good game.

"All sides are losing points, and we know that we have to go there and get something. There's still a long way to go in the title race."

Atletico, without a Liga derby win since 2016, welcome Kieran Trippier back to the first team squad after a 10-week suspension for violating betting rules in England.

Yannick Carrasco also returns after a leg injury, while Jose Maria Gimenez and Thomas Lemar will face late fitness tests.

Zidane has said French forward Karim Benzema could be fit, however captain Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal will all miss the trip across the Spanish capital.

Barcelona, meanwhile, can put the pressure on both Madrid outfits when they visit Osasuna in Saturday's late game.

Fresh from a dramatic Copa del Rey semi-final comeback win over Sevilla, the Catalans, who have not lost in La Liga since December, will be full of confidence that they can mount a challenge in the title race.