Carlo Ancelotti plays down form relevance amid ‘special tension’ of Madrid derby

Carlo Ancelotti has stressed that form counts for little amid the “special tension” of a Madrid derby as Real and Atletico prepare to clash at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.

The two sides head into the game on the back of contrasting fortunes, with Ancelotti’s Real having reeled off five straight wins to kick off the LaLiga season as well as getting their Champions League campaign under way with victory over Union Berlin.

Atletico, meanwhile, limp into the game still shellshocked by goalkeeper Ivan Provedel’s late equaliser for Lazio in their midweek Champions League clash, which swiftly followed their 3-0 domestic loss at Valencia last week.

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“I think the derby is always a great opportunity, whether you’re in a good moment or a bad one,” said Ancelotti.

“A derby is always a special game. We like to prepare for these games and be the stars. There is a special tension and we’re excited to do all we can to be the stars.”

Ancelotti has named Vinicius Jr in his squad after the Brazilian made a faster than expected recovery from a calf strain sustained in the win over Celta Vigo last month.

The initial prognosis ruled the player out for six weeks but Ancelotti bridled at suggestions that he may have taken an unnecessary risk in naming the winger in his squad ahead of schedule.

“There is zero risk,” Ancelotti insisted. “He trained because there is zero risk. If we think there is one per cent risk, he won’t play. What’s important is that Vinicius has recovered. I’ve told him he will be missing some conditioning after a month out, but we will evaluate it tomorrow.”

There was also encouraging news over in-form England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has made a full recovery after missing training on Thursday with a minor stomach complaint.

Ancelotti alluded to the midfield riches at his disposal that have helped extend his side’s perfect start, and said his big names should not take it personally if they are subject to rotation or substitution.

“Leaving not only (Toni) Kroos or (Luka) Modric on the bench is hard, and the same for (Federico) Valverde,” added Ancelotti.

“The competition in midfield is strong and the reflection with the team is when we make a change, the player coming off is sad.

“I understand that you come off sad because you think I’m changing you because you’re not playing well. But very often it’s because I have resources and I want to put someone on fresh. I tell them only to be sad if they haven’t given 100 per cent.”