Real Madrid Faces Atlético Madrid in Key La Liga Clash

Real Madrid is set to face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League play-off round, with the first leg scheduled for February 11. Both teams are struggling this season, with Real Madrid finishing 11th and Manchester City 22nd in their respective leagues, raising concerns about their form. In a domestic context, Barcelona is looking to capitalize on dropped points from the Madrid derby as they prepare to play Sevilla, aiming to close the gap in La Liga standings. Barcelona has been in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in 2025 and showcasing strong attacking abilities, including a recent 5-0 victory over Valencia. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is grappling with significant defensive injuries as they prepare for a crucial derby against Atlético Madrid, which is marked by high stakes and intense rivalry. Kylian Mbappe will make his first derby appearance, adding more intrigue to the match-up.