Álvaro Arbeloa v Diego Simeone: The Madrid Derby’s Newest Duel
Álvaro Arbeloa v Diego Simeone: The Madrid Derby’s Newest Duel UK viewers can watch the Madrid Derby live on Premier Sports on 22 March, with coverage available across the Premier Sports TV channels and the Premier Sports streaming platform. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm GMT. This month, the Spanish capital stops again as on the 22nd, Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid in the latest edition of the Madrid derby – a fixture with Diego Simeone once again being the constant figure in Atletico’s dugout.
However, this one carries a fresh narrative. Standing in the opposite technical area will be Alvaro Arbeloa, taking charge of his first Madrid derby as a senior manager. He becomes the 10th different Real Madrid boss Simeone has faced in this rivalry – and the ninth managerial change at the Bernabeu since the Argentine took over Atletico in December 2011.
With Atletico thrashing Real Madrid 5-2 in the reverse league fixture earlier this season, the questions ahead of the rematch are clear. Can Simeone continue a new trend of unsettling new Madrid managers? Or, can Arbeloa seize an early advantage in their personal duel and hand his side crucial points in the title race?
Simeone vs New Madrid Managers – First Impressions Count Since arriving in 2011, Simeone has faced 9 different Real Madrid managers in competitive derbies. Arbeloa will be the 10th. In those 9 debut meetings against a new Madrid boss, Simeone’s record reads almost symmetrically, showcasing how unpredictable the Madrid Derby can be: ● Wins: 3 ● Draws: 3 ● Losses: 3 ● Win percentage: 33% Image via LaLiga.
Image via LaLiga While the numbers show a perfectly even split, they underline how competitive the Madrid Derby can be. Simeone has ensured Atletico remain a constant obstacle for Real Madrid, regardless of who occupies the Bernabeu dugout. Overall, in Madrid derbies as Atletico manager, Simeone’s record reads: ● Games: 45 ● Wins: 12 ● Draws: 15 ● Losses: 18 ● Win percentage: 26.