Almost the first chance of the match as Koke's cross from the left nearly finds Atletico striker Mario Mandzukic. Great defending from Pepe, who lunges to clear before the striker can pounce.

Michael Phillips:, external That Real Madrid line up is just an amazing pool of word class players. Nothing but a win for them today!

Real are already complaining about Atletico's approach after Raul García's knee goes into the back of Fabio Coentrao. Whistles from the crowd and players around the referee, but there didn't seem a lot in it.

Real Madrid are patiently keeping possession early on as Atletico look happy to let them have it and sit deep. This could become the pattern as the visitors rely on the counter.

Here we go then. Barcelona have already made it three wins from three in La Liga, how will their two greatest title rivals respond?

One of Europe's biggest matches? I think so.

The teams are on their way out at a packed Bernabeu. What a sight greets the players as Real fans hold up cards showing off their colours. This is some atmosphere.

Does Carlo Ancelotti have any fears about Atletico's robust style? It would seem not.

"Atletico aren't a violent side," he said. "They have their own style of play that is intense. Their style has given them a lot of rewards. Two different styles face off tomorrow and we will see who is right".

"This is football and it's not a game for little girls; it is for men."

Image source, Reuters

With a stat like the one in the graphic above, I know what I would be saying if I was an Atletico fan. 'Pump it long lads'.....

Both teams will have half an eye on their midweek Champions League tests.

Champions Real entertain Basel on Tuesday night, while Atletico travel to Olympiakos the same night.

Odds on a repeat of last season's all-Madrid final? Pretty long you would have to think.

Image source, AP

While there is bound to be no shortage of explosive action on the field this evening, it may be a little different on the touchline than previous Madrid derbies.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone will be forced to watch from the stands after being given an eight-match touchline ban for his behaviour in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Real.

Mind you, with assistant coach German Burgos stepping in during the suspension, it probably won't be any less quiet from the bench.

Read more on why Burgos is one of La Liga's most colourful characters here.

OptaJose:, external 1 - Carlo Ancelotti has only won one of three meetings with Atletico in the Bernabeu (D1 L1); 3-0 in last season's Copa del Rey. Challenge.

OptaJose:, external 7 - Atletico are unbeaten in 7 Madrid derbies in La Liga (W5 D2), their best ever unbeaten run against fellow capital-based sides. Spirit.

Image source, Getty Images

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has just passed his 15-year anniversary at Real.

He has won three Champions Leagues, two Intercontinentals, two European Supercups, five leagues, two Copa del Rey titles and four Spanish Supercups.

Also, having played 683 matches, he sits behind only Raul (741) and Manuel Sanchis (710) in the appearance records.

Real Madrid on Twitter:, external We will hold a minute of silence in the memory of former player Fernando Zunzunegui who passed away recently.

What a World Cup Real Madrid's £71m summer signing James Rodriguez had. The Colombian won the Golden Boot with six goals in five matches in Brazil as they reached the quarter-finals.

The fourth most expensive transfer of all time after those of new team-mates Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Luis Suarez, the 23-year-old is yet to get off the mark for Real.

Will tonight be his time?

Image source, EPA

There were a few puzzled looks as Real moved for Manchester United's out-of-favour striker Javier Hernandez on loan on transfer deadline day.

He will be hoping to make his debut from the substitutes bench today and where would you prefer to be at the moment?

On the bench for Real or on the bench for United? No real question is there?

John McEnerney:, external AM haven't replaced the likes of Costa & TC well enough to compete like last season maybe domestically but not the CL‏.

Andrew Priestley:, external Real Madrid's attack is frighteningly good, their defence on the other hand are frighteningly poor for a top, top team.

Image source, Opta

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 13 goals against Atletico Madrid in all competitions. How he would love to add to that......

Image source, Getty Images

Both Atletico and Real will be slightly disappointed with their starts to the season after dropping points already.

Real Madrid suffered a shock 4-2 defeat to Real Sociedad last time out, while Atletico opened their title defence with a goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano.

Their stuttering starts has allowed Barcelona seize the early initiative in La Liga - making this evening's Madrid derby even more crucial for both.

Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao, Kroos, Modric, Cristiano, James, Bale, Benzema

Atletico Madrid: Moya, Miranda, Godin, Juanfran, Siqueira, Gabi, Tiago, Garcia, Koke, Raul Jimenez, Mandzukic