Diego Simeone expressed "huge respect" for José Mourinho ahead of Sunday's Madrid Derby, their first meeting since 2014. Real Madrid sit two points above Atlético Madrid with six games played in La Liga, both trailing Barcelona. Their last competitive clash came in the 2014 Champions League semifinals when Atlético eliminated Chelsea.

Simeone praised Mourinho's side, noting Real's strength in transition with Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, saying Atlético must avoid turnovers. Atlético have struggled in attack early on; Julián Álvarez barely featured after a summer transfer bid to Barcelona, and Alexander Sorloth is injured. New signing Jonathan David has scored two goals in his last two appearances. Álvarez made his first start against Liverpool on September 9 but missed subsequent games.

Simeone confirmed Álvarez will be available for the derby. Real Madrid's only loss this season came at Real Betis, with a 3-2 win at Elche on Tuesday. Simeone also addressed summer additions like Cristian Romero, Alex Grimaldo, and Kang-in Lee, urging composure under derby pressure.