MADRID, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Madrid derby between Real and Atletico Madrid is the standout game in Spain's matchday 7 this weekend as Atletico visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium knowing a win would take them above their neighbors and leave them in crisis.
Real Madrid's 3-0 defeat to Sevilla on Wednesday has set the alarm bells ringing after they were outplayed and outfought by Sevilla. That defeat came on the back of a 1-1 draw away to Athletic Club Bilbao and a less than convincing 1-0 victory at home to Espanyol. Although Real were impressive against Roma in the Champions League, people have short memories in the Bernabeu.
Left back Marcelo was singled out for criticism in Sevilla and Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui has to decide whether to stick with the Brazilian, whose fitness has been questioned, or to move Nacho to the left and play Sergio Ramos and Rafael Varene in central defense.
The good news is that Dani Carvajal has recovered from a muscle problem and will be able to return after missing the last two matches, although Isco will be out for another three weeks after his appendix operation.
Karim Benzema's form has also dipped in the past fortnight and Mariano Diaz could have a chance of starting alongside Gareth Bale with Marco Asensio also in the side ahead of a midfield consisting of Casemiro, Tony Kroos and Luka Modric.
Finally the game will pit goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois against his former club in what will be a test of personality for the Belgian.
Atletico appear to have overcome their early season problems and travel across town with a victory over their neighbors in the European Supercup (albeit after extra time).
Diego Simeone's side have won their last three games and have the advantage of 24 hours more rest after defeating Huesca 3-0 on Tuesday night.
The main worry for Atletico is striker Diego Costa: although he scored twice against Real Madrid in the Supercup, he hasn't found the net in his last 13 league appearances. Nevertheless his battle with Ramos and Varene is likely to be a key factor in what promises to be a vital game and one which Lopetegui probably needs to win more than Simeone.
