La Liga leaders Real Madrid take on rivals Atletico Madrid in a crunch derby showdown on September 27.
Xabi Alonso’s extended their 100% record at the start of the campaign with a routine 4-1 midweek win at Levante.
However, a trip across the Spanish capital poses a huge test for Los Blancos, as Diego Simeone’s team look to ignite their own campaign.
A late double from Julian Alvarez saw Atletico Madrid battle back and win 3-2 at home to Rayo Vallecano in just their second victory of the campaign.
Both La Liga derbies ended in 1-1 draws last season and Atletico Madrid have only lost one of their last six league derbies at the Estado Metropolitano.
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Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
With such a short turnaround in between matches, Simeone will rotate his options, as Alexander Sorloth returns following a one-game suspension for the Rayo game.
Midfield pair Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada remain sidelined through injury with Jose Maria Gimenez not ready for a match return following an ankle issue.
Club captain Koke is unlikely to start three successive games, with Nico Gonzalez set to come in, alongside a start for Marc Pubill at right-back.
Atletico Madrid predicted starting XI (5-3-2): Oblak (GK) — Pubill, Lenglet, Le Normand, Hancko, Galan — Barrios, Gonzalez, Gallagher — Sorloth, Alvarez.
Injured: Cardoso (ankle), Almada (calf), Gimenez (muscle).
Suspended: None
Real Madrid’s injury list has not changed following the trip to Levante, but Alonso will look to freshen things up. with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy still out.
Alonso has hinted a start for Jude Bellingham, after two cameo substitute appearances, and the England international could start over Dani Ceballos with captain Dani Carvajal back after being rested in midweek.
Real Madrid predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras — Tchouameni, Bellingham — Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius Jr. — Mbappe.
Injured: Alexander-Arnold (hamstring), Rudiger (hamstring), Mendy (muscle).
Suspended: None
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid match details
- Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Kickoff time: 4:15 p.m. local / 10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 a.m. AEST (Sep. 28)
- Location: Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid (Spain)
- Competition: La Liga
- Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
- VAR: Carlos Del Cerro
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