September 26, 2025-Published by Cyril

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has cautioned his players against complacency ahead of Saturday’s La Liga Madrid derby against city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos have been flawless this season, winning all their matches to sit top of the league — two points clear of champions Barcelona and nine ahead of Atletico, who currently languish in ninth.

Despite the strong start, Alonso, who will be managing in his first-ever Madrid derby, stressed that nothing can be taken for granted.

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• “Every game is very difficult to win… we cannot be overconfident,” Alonso said during Friday’s press conference.
• “Just by going out on to the pitch it doesn’t mean we are going to win, we have to be consistent in our performance. The more we teach ourselves to be active, the more games we will win.”

The coach acknowledged the hostile atmosphere expected at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium but insisted he would not shy away from fielding players new to the derby experience.

• “There’s always a first time for everything and we need everyone tomorrow, so they feel the great atmosphere,” he added.

On Atletico’s long-serving coach, Diego Simeone, who has been in charge since 2011, Alonso was full of admiration.

• “What he has done is so big — I’m just starting, I have to go slowly. I’m not setting such a long-term goal for myself,” Alonso said.

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Meanwhile, Simeone admitted his side faces a difficult challenge, particularly with one less day of rest compared to Real Madrid.

• “We’ll have to make a huge effort, with only three days of rest, and it all depends on our mentality,” Simeone said. “It will be a hard-fought game in midfield, with transitions key.”

The derby promises to be a fiery encounter, with Real Madrid looking to extend their perfect run, while Atletico aim to revive their season and reassert themselves in the title race.

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