La Liga: Madrid derby takes center stage, Ancelotti expects Vinicius’ Junior return

Real Madrid have taken the La Liga with a huge start this season, having won all five games played so far, although it must be said that it hasn’t been as easy as many would have expected. Los Blancos have faced Athletic Club, Almeria, and Celta Vigo Getafe, but the hardest of the first five has to be the last, a comeback 2-1 win over Real Sociedad last weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side has had to dig deep almost every time with a late goal against Celta Vigo, Getafe, and Real Sociedad, with Jude Bellingham coming to the rescue almost every time, and the summer signing from Dortmund has already launched five goals in five games statistics.

The English midfielder was up to rescue on Wednesday when Real Madrid hosted Union Berlin in the opening game of the UEFA Champions League group stage with a stoppage-time goal to win the game for the capital club.

While the Italian coach credits the youngster for his instant impact, saying he has quality and luck, he reflected on the changes injured Vinicius Junior could have brought to the team as they struggled to break down the Germans and hopes to see him return to action against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, their biggest La Liga test yet.

“He is among the best strikers in the world. He makes a difference for us. We miss him, but he’s going to play on Wednesday (against Las Palmas). Let’s see if he can be available for Sunday. Vinícius… I think that he’s one of the best strikers in the world, so of course, we miss him. With Vinícius, we have something else. But today, Joselu could have scored and was very good in the air, Vinícius less so. We hope to have him back next Wednesday and maybe on Sunday.” Ancelotti said.

Meanwhile, Barcelona host Celta Vigo on Saturday, and Sevilla travel to Osasuna as Almeria welcomes Valencia, with Girona hosting Mallorca in the first fixture on Saturday. Friday’s fixture will see Alaves welcome Athletic Club.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu