Key takeaways from the latest Madrid Derby news:

• Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are separated by just one point in La Liga as they prepare for their crucial derby match at Santiago Bernabeu.
• Refereeing decisions and complaints regarding officiating have sparked a heated debate between the two clubs.
• Injuries plague Real Madrid, with key defenders sidelined, while Atletico Madrid is in good shape heading into this pivotal match.
• Both teams boast strong attacking players, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring encounter.
• The derby is marked by recent tensions, with Atletico mocking Madrid's complaints about referee pressure.

MADRID (AP) — The Madrid Derby approaches with heightened tension as defending champions Real Madrid host their cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid, who are just one point adrift in the La Liga table. With the stakes high and a keen focus on officiating, both teams have been vocal about perceived injustices. Real Madrid, currently dealing with a string of injuries, including key defenders Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, expressed their frustrations following a shocking defeat at Espanyol. The club’s management even sent a strongly-worded complaint regarding referee decisions to the Spanish federation, characterizing the officiating as biased and “rigged” following their recent loss where a crucial non-call potentially cost them valuable points. Atletico Madrid responded with sarcasm, questioning the terms around referee influence, stirring further controversy around an already charged atmosphere, as noted in reports from AP News and India Times.

Furthermore, former player Diego Forlan commented on the evolution of the derby, crediting Atletico’s manager Diego Simeone for transforming the contest into a more competitive affair within La Liga history. The rivalry has intensified, particularly in recent years, as Atletico Madrid has become a legitimate contender alongside their more illustrious neighbors.

The upcoming match is especially crucial, as Atletico has been on an impressive streak, winning 19 of their last 21 games, while Real Madrid has struggled to maintain consistency. Despite their defensive woes, Real boasts a potent attacking front with talents like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, who missed the first derby of the season but is expected to feature prominently in this encounter. Atletico will be without defender Robin Le Normand, suspended after accumulating yellow cards, but remain a formidable force with a well-rounded attack led by Antoine Griezmann, who emphasized the need for calm amidst external pressures placed on referees.

As the two teams prepare to clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, all eyes will be on how the filled stands respond to the controversies surrounding officiating, as well as the tactical approaches that both Carlo Ancelotti and Simeone will deploy. The last derby ended in a 1-1 draw, but this encounter promises to be even more significant, potentially defining the title race as these teams vie for supremacy in the Spanish capital, according to Al Jazeera.

To follow the live updates, fans can tune into Al Jazeera’s coverage as the excitement builds ahead of a match often regarded as one of football’s greatest rivalries.