The two coaches have not met since 2014, when Mourinho was managing Chelsea and Simeone’s Atletico Madrid eliminated the English club from the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.
However, their rivalry goes back further.
Mourinho and Simeone meet again
Their first meeting as opposing managers came in 2012. Simeone’s Atletico hosted Mourinho’s Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.
Real Madrid won that derby 4-1 under Mourinho.
More than a decade later, the two managers will meet again, this time with Mourinho back in charge of Real Madrid.
“This is a derby,” Mourinho said ahead of the match.
He acknowledged the importance of the fixture but stressed that the main objective remains securing three points.
Mourinho has recorded three wins and one draw in his previous six meetings with Simeone.
Real Madrid face important test
Real Madrid enter the derby second in La Liga with 15 points from six matches.
Atletico are fourth with 13 points, while Barcelona lead the table with 21 points.
A defeat would leave Real Madrid six points behind Barcelona after seven league games.
Atletico have also regained momentum after suffering consecutive defeats against Athletic Club and Liverpool.
Simeone’s team responded with two convincing victories. They defeated Real Sociedad 3-0 before beating Osasuna 4-0.
Real Madrid also arrive with confidence after a 3-2 victory over Elche.
Mourinho wants more control
Mourinho has admitted that Real Madrid still have areas to improve.
The team have produced several dramatic victories this season, including their latest win over Elche.
Real appeared to be in control after taking a 2-0 lead. Elche then fought back to level the match before Carlos Espi scored a late winner.
Mourinho believes the ability to keep fighting until the final whistle is a positive sign.
He also accepts that his team must improve their control of matches.
“The league is a marathon,” Mourinho said. “There will be obstacles, but we will be there to overcome them.”
Atletico’s home record gives Simeone confidence
Real Madrid have struggled in recent visits to the Metropolitano.
They have won only two of their last 11 away games at Atletico’s home ground. Their last La Liga victory there came four years ago.
Atletico also won last season’s corresponding fixture 5-2.
Mourinho will now try to change that record during his latest spell in charge of Real Madrid.
The Portuguese manager has stressed that his tactical approach depends on the players available to him.
“I’ve evolved alongside my players,” he explained.
Simeone highlights Mbappe and Vinicius threat
Simeone believes Real Madrid’s ability to attack quickly after winning possession could prove decisive.
The Atletico coach singled out Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr as major threats.
“They’re better in transition than us,” Simeone said.
He warned his players that losing possession could allow Real Madrid’s forwards to exploit open spaces.
Atletico will therefore need to remain organised and limit opportunities for quick counter-attacks.
Alvarez fitness remains a concern
Simeone also has selection issues to consider.
Julian Alvarez has missed Atletico’s last two matches because of a muscle problem.
Alexander Sorloth is also unavailable through injury.
However, Canadian forward Jonathan David has scored in each of his last two appearances and provides another attacking option.
Simeone confirmed that Alvarez is expected to feature during the derby.
Respect remains between the managers
Despite their competitive history, Mourinho and Simeone have spoken respectfully about each other.
Simeone said he has admired Mourinho for many years and retains great respect for the Portuguese coach.
Mourinho has also praised Simeone when discussing his career for a football documentary.
The respect will be put aside temporarily when the whistle blows.
Both managers will be focused on securing victory in one of the most closely watched fixtures in Spanish football.
BBC
