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

Jose Mourinho and Diego Simeone are set to renew a long-standing rivalry in the Madrid derby on Sunday. The two managers have not faced each other since 2014, when Atletico Madrid defeated Chelsea in the Champions League. However, they have met in this fixture before, with Simeone's Atletico winning 4-1 at Vicente Calderon Stadium during Mourinho's first reign as Real Madrid boss.

Mourinho has faced Atletico three times before, with a 3-0 victory in their most recent meeting. Atletico, on the other hand, ended a 14-year wait for a derby victory with their 2013 Copa del Rey triumph. Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga with 15 points from six games, while Atleti are fourth on 13 points. Barcelona lead the table with 21 points.

Both managers have cautioned against overhyping the derby. Mourinho emphasized that while derbies are special, the most important aspect is securing three points. Simeone, meanwhile, warned his team not to let the occasion overwhelm them, insisting composure is key. Atleti have responded well to recent defeats, winning back-to-back matches against Real Sociedad and Osasuna.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have had to produce defining moments in several matches, with their last league outing against Elche ending in a dramatic 91st-minute victory. Mourinho has spent the build-up resisting comparisons to Atleti and Barcelona, despite the contrasting narratives surrounding the clubs. He acknowledged that Real Madrid have not yet reached the level of control he desires, but remains confident in his team's ability to overcome obstacles.