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

The first Madrid derby of the 2024-25 season will look different to the four that took place across all competitions last season. Real Madrid said goodbye to Toni Kroos and welcomed Kylian Mbappé, who will miss the game due to injury. Atlético Madrid now have Julián Alvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Conor Gallagher and Robin Le Normand.

Diego Simeone’s men handed Real Madrid their only La Liga defeat of their victorious season last year, and that was before the club’s big transfers arrived this summer. The game promises to be La Liga’s most exciting and heated game yet, especially if both teams’ best players deliver in the deep-rooted rivalry.

5. Julian Alvarez

Alvarez is expected to play his first Madrid derby after joining Atlético Madrid in the summer. The former Manchester City player struggled to find his feet at his new club, scoring just two goals in eight appearances.

However, the Argentine’s slow start would be forgotten if he got on the scoresheet against Real Madrid. Los Blancos have looked vulnerable on the counterattack, 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 goal; Then he just has to beat Thibaut Courtois.

4. Conor Gallagher

Of all of Simeone’s summer signings, Gallagher feels most at home at Atlético Madrid. The midfielder scored just his second goal in three games last weekend and continues to embody Simeone football. He fits perfectly into the team’s quick counterattacks, wins many duels and uses well-timed tackles to win the ball back for his team.

Gallagher faces a tough test against Real Madrid’s midfield. Ancelotti is likely to adopt a 4-4-2 formation following Mbappé’s injury, giving the England international plenty to work with as he looks to find time on the ball against the likes of Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni and possibly Eduardo Camavinga.

3. Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann scored the winning goal for Simeone’s side when Atlético Madrid hosted Real Madrid last season, sending the would-be Spanish champions home with their first and only La Liga defeat and knocking them out of the Copa del Rey.

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

2. Jew 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 only scored four goals from the game against internal rivals. Since Bellingham’s return, Los Blancos have put the ball in the net ten times in three games.

Last season, the England international played as a false nine in both La Liga-Madrid derbies and failed to make much of an impact in either game. Not only will he be back in a similar role on Sunday, but he’s 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 keep an eye on at Real Madrid. The Brazilian enjoyed a Ballon d’Or-worthy season that ended with 24 goals in all competitions and saw Los Blancos top La Liga and the Champions League.

Vinícius Jr. may have only scored three goals in nine appearances for Real Madrid this season, but he still leads the team’s attack from the left wing. Whether he’s taking on 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.