Real Madrid can extend its unbeaten La Liga streak to 40 games come Sunday, but only if Carlo Ancelotti's men find a way to secure a positive result without Kylian Mbappé.
It might only be September, but every La Liga game is crucial for Real Madrid's title defense. Los Blancos already trail Barcelona by four points and with how dominant the Catalans look under Hansi Flick, Real Madrid cannot afford to fall even further behind.
With pressure mounting, the 36-time La Liga champions face the biggest test of their early season on Sept. 29 when they play Atlético Madrid away from home. Mbappé is set to miss the Madrid derby after sustaining a thigh injury against Alavés, leaving Ancelotti without his leading goalscorer.
The club's keys to success now look different than they did five days ago, but the goal remains the same as Real Madrid looks to secure its first La Liga victory over Atlético Madrid since 2022.
