Real Madrid are without a fit senior centre-back for two crucial games against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City in the next week.

Despite sitting top of LaLiga, reigning champions Real Madrid may feel like they have a lot to prove when they host Atletico Madrid on Saturday with their in-form city rivals eager to seize the momentum in the title race and leapfrog them in the table.

A place in the Copa del Rey semi-final was already safely secured for Atletico Madrid when two second-half substitutes combined to complete a five-star performance at the Metropolitano Stadium. Diego Simeone's side were 4-0 up against city rivals Getafe in the 86th minute when giant striker Alexander Sorloth exchanged passes with Andre Correa

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid meet in their second derby of the season with the Liga lead on the line and the focus on refereeing. Real Madrid has spent the days ahead of Saturday's match complaining of mistakes against the club.

Atlético Madrid have mocked Real Madrid in a social media post ahead of Saturday's Madrid derby in response to Real's pressure tactics directed at officials.

Atlético Madrid star Robin Le Normand has this week sent something of a warning the way of Real Madrid.This, of course, comes as the two sides prepare to lock horns for the latest time this coming