Mourinho and Simeone renew rivalry in Madrid derby after more than a decade

Jose Mourinho and Diego Simeone will renew their long-standing rivalry in the Madrid derby, which has not seen a face-off between the two managers in over a decade. The two previously clashed in 2014, with Atletico Madrid defeating Chelsea in the Champions League. Simeone took charge of Atletico in 2011, and the rivalry intensified after Atletico's 2013 Copa del Rey triumph, ending a 14-year wait for a derby victory.

Mourinho's Real Madrid enters the match with 15 points from six games, while Atletico sits fourth in the table with 13 points. Barcelona leads the La Liga table with 21 points. A defeat for Real Madrid would leave them six points behind Barcelona after the first seven matches.

The rivalry is particularly significant due to Real Madrid's recent struggles at the Metropolitano Stadium, where they have won only two of their past 11 away matches. Atletico also won the corresponding derby last season, 5-2, marking a setback for Real's previous project under Xabi Alonso.

Both managers have praised their players' character in finding late winners, with Mourinho citing his team's ability to overcome obstacles as a key factor. Simeone, on the other hand, believes Real Madrid's ability to transition quickly after losing possession will be their biggest asset in the match.

Simeone has urged his players to maintain composure and avoid being overwhelmed by the occasion, despite the feisty history of their encounters. Despite the rivalry, there is mutual respect between Mourinho and Simeone, with Simeone praising Mourinho's leadership and Mourinho expressing admiration for Simeone's work as a manager.