Gallagher relishing first Madrid derby clash

Conor Gallagher has told ESPN he is “really excited” about playing for Atlético Madrid in his first derby with Real Madrid on Sunday, and said the atmosphere at their Metropolitano stadium is louder than what he’s used to in the Premier League.

England international Gallagher, 24, joined Atlético from Chelsea this summer and has already made himself a fan favourite, scoring two goals in five LaLiga appearances.

Both Atlético and Real Madrid go into the derby unbeaten so far this season, with Real two points ahead in the LaLiga table.

“I’m really excited, I’m really enjoying my football right now,” Gallagher told ESPN on Saturday. “It’s going to be a really special game… I feel very comfortable, very confident, I feel very settled and at home already.

“Looking at the atmosphere, the games already, I think tomorrow’s going to be crazy. The atmosphere at our stadium is so good… I’d say it’s louder in Spain. Of course it’s too soon to say, but the crowd’s just so loud. When the ref makes a mistake, when the whole stadium whistles, it’s so loud.”

Atlético go into the derby after securing a dramatic late 1-0 win at Celta Vigo on Thursday, with another summer signing — Julián Álvarez — scoring in the 90th minute.

“[Álvarez] is a very cool guy, calm and relaxed,” Gallagher told ESPN. “He’s achieved so much in football already. And most importantly, he’s a top guy.”

Real Madrid haven’t lost in LaLiga since last September, when they were beaten 3-1 by Atlético at the Metropolitano, but they go into the derby without Kylian Mbappé, who picked up a thigh injury on Tuesday.

“[Real] are a top team, one of the best in the whole world,” Gallagher said. “We know how good they are, they have many threats, and we’ll prepare as much as we can to go at their weaknesses.

“Mbappé’s one of the best players in the world, so of course it’s going to help us in a way, but Real have got a top team, with amazing players.”

Gallagher said he’s enjoying working with coach Diego Simeone, despite the relatively limited communication between the pair, with Gallagher just starting to learn Spanish, and Simeone’s restricted English.

“It’s brilliant. He’s an amazing manager,” Gallagher told ESPN. “For me to work under him is a real honour… Whatever he wants me to do, I’ll do it.”