Real Madrid face worrying Metropolitano record ahead of Atletico derby

Real Madrid face worrying Metropolitano record ahead of Atletico derby Real Madrid face a daunting record this weekend as they travel to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in La Liga . Los Blancos will arrive at the Metropolitano knowing Jose Mourinho’s first derby since returning to the club comes with an uncomfortable recent history. Madrid have found victories remarkably difficult to secure away to Atletico Madrid in La Liga , turning Sunday’s meeting into another significant early test for Mourinho’s new project. Real Madrid have won just one of their last seven La Liga visits to Atletico’s stadium. That solitary victory came in September 2022, highlighting just how difficult this fixture has become for Los Blancos . One victory in seven years Madrid’s struggles at the Metropolitano stand out because of the club’s success across the same broader period. They have repeatedly competed for the biggest trophies, yet travelling across the city to face Atletico has consistently produced problems. Jose Mourinho is not the kind to lean too much into stats. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) The 2022 victory remains the sole exception. However, Mourinho will be the first to admit that historical records do not decide future matches. Players, managers and tactical approaches change, and Mourinho will approach this derby with a different Madrid side from those involved in previous visits. However, if there is something the team can learn from these statistics, it is that a trip to the Metropolitano is no easy proposition. Mourinho faces his first derby test Mourinho will know that his team face a particularly interesting test on Sunday. The Portuguese tactician has done a very good job of making Madrid organised collectively while still allowing the individual stars to thrive. A trip to the Metropolitano provides an ideal examination of that progress. Derbies can become physical, emotional and difficult to handle. Sunday will be a true test of how far Mourinho’s project has come at the moment and how his players can handle the occasion. Madrid should not become obsessed with what happened during the previous seven years, but this is precisely the kind of record Mourinho will want his team to leave behind. The game against Atletico Madrid could give Real Madrid the chance to make a statement. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Winning difficult away matches against direct rivals is often what separates a good league campaign from a winning one. Last season, Madrid had enjoyed a perfect start under Xabi Alonso before travelling to the Metropolitano, where they conceded five goals. Sunday could be the day everyone sits up and takes notice of Mourinho’s project at Madrid, and it remains to be seen how things play out.