LaLiga Matchday 23: Madrid Derby Reaches Peak Intensity, Athletic Club Returns to Its Origins

With the title race tightening and European qualification battles intensifying, LaLiga’s 23rd round presents a series of high-stakes encounters. At the forefront of the action stands the Madrid Derby, a fixture that has reached a level of importance equal to El Clásico due to Real Madrid’s shock defeat to Espanyol in the previous round. With Atlético Madrid maintaining a steady and disciplined march, the upcoming clash at the Santiago Bernabéu could potentially determine a new league leader.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club, a team riding a 13-game unbeaten streak, finds itself returning to the point where it all started—facing Girona, the last team to defeat them in LaLiga. Can the Basque Lions rewrite the script, or will Girona once again be their stumbling block?

Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid – A Derby That Could Shake the League Table

Real Madrid’s recent slip-up against Espanyol has turned what was already a must-watch derby into an absolute title showdown. Before Matchday 22, Los Blancos had built a four-point lead at the top, prompting fans to celebrate their increased margin for error. However, their unexpected 1-0 loss has drastically altered the situation—if Atlético Madrid wins at the Bernabéu, they will overtake their city rivals and seize first place.

Real Madrid’s Painful Defeat – A Wake-Up Call?

In their match against Espanyol, Carlo Ancelotti fielded a relatively strong starting XI, making only three changes from the side that had crushed Brest in the Champions League. Early on, Madrid dominated possession—at one point reaching 75% control—and frequently threatened Espanyol’s goal. The attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham were relentless in their attempts to break the deadlock.

Yet, Espanyol executed their defensive counter-attacking strategy to perfection. The Catalan side held firm, absorbing pressure and denying Madrid clear-cut chances. As frustration grew within Los Blancos, Espanyol capitalized.

In the 85th minute, Espanyol launched a quick transition down the right flank. A pinpoint cross found Romero, who produced a sublime first-time volley into the bottom corner. The RCDE Stadium erupted, while Madrid’s stars were left stunned.

Mbappé and company failed to find their shooting boots, and Madrid suffered their second league defeat of the season—a loss that could have huge ramifications in the title race.

Atlético Madrid’s Momentum – A Steady March Toward the Summit

Unlike their city rivals, Atlético Madrid handled their business efficiently in a 2-0 victory over Mallorca. Despite facing a high-intensity press in the opening six minutes, Diego Simeone’s men quickly adapted, regained control, and imposed their will.

Through disciplined play, tactical precision, and a touch of individual brilliance, Atlético eventually broke down Mallorca and secured an important three points. Their defensive solidity once again proved key, as they registered another clean sheet, reinforcing their reputation as LaLiga’s most stable defensive unit.

As the Madrid Derby approaches, momentum seems to favor Atlético.

Steadiness Wins Titles – Who Holds the Edge?

In the grand scheme of a league campaign, consistency outweighs occasional flashes of brilliance. At this stage of the season, stability becomes the defining trait of a champion.

From what we’ve seen, Atlético Madrid have been the more composed side. Even in cup competitions, they have displayed a greater sense of control and focus, while Real Madrid’s squad harmony has come into question.

In the last seven Madrid Derbies, only one match has been decided within 90 minutes—a testament to how evenly matched these two teams have been. However, with Atlético’s superior preparation and discipline, they enter this contest with the slight advantage.

Athletic Club vs. Girona – Back to Where It All Began

Athletic Club’s remarkable 13-match unbeaten run traces back to a turning point earlier in the season—a defeat against Girona. Now, as they meet again, the Basque side has the opportunity to prove how much they’ve evolved.

Steady Progress Despite Stalemate

Fresh off securing a direct knockout-stage spot in the Europa League, Athletic faced a tough test against Real Betis, ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw. However, despite dropping points, their cushion over fifth-placed Villarreal remains comfortable.

With the top three spots (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid) seemingly locked in for Champions League places, Athletic knows that only one spot is realistically up for grabs. Right now, they are the frontrunners in that battle, but they cannot afford to drop their guard.

Girona’s Aggressive Revival

While Girona’s early-season Champions League aspirations have faded, they are still within striking distance of European qualification—just 10 points behind the top four.

Their 2-1 win over Las Palmas last weekend showcased a fearless approach. They attacked relentlessly, utilizing a fluid midfield and explosive wing play to stretch defenses and create chances.

Girona’s success came from their strategic use of overlapping full-backs, providing additional passing lanes for their midfielders to exploit. On the defensive side, they deployed a disciplined zonal system, effectively nullifying Las Palmas’ buildup play.

Can Athletic Avoid Repeating History?

Athletic Club learned valuable lessons from their first encounter with Girona—a match that ultimately sparked their unbeaten streak. They now have a chance to rewrite the narrative.

Both teams will push themselves to the limit, making this a battle of momentum vs. determination.

Final Thoughts – The Games That Could Define a Season

Matchday 23 brings two defining battles that could significantly alter the course of LaLiga.

In the Madrid Derby:

• If Real Madrid wins, they reassert their dominance and widen the gap at the top.
• If Atlético Madrid wins, they overthrow their rivals and take pole position in the title race.

In Athletic Club vs. Girona:

• If Athletic extends their unbeaten run, they move one step closer to Champions League football.
• If Girona pulls off another upset, they announce their resurgence in the European battle.

With so much at stake, these games are more than just fixtures—they are season-defining moments.

LaLiga’s intensity is reaching its peak, and the drama is only just beginning.