🏟️ Introduction: Why This Derby Matters
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Lineups,The Madrid derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in world football. When Atletico Madrid meet Real Madrid, it’s more than a La Liga fixture—it’s about city pride, identity, and bragging rights.
In the 2025/26 season, Real Madrid come into the clash with perfect form, while Atletico are battling for consistency. With both teams having injuries, tactical adjustments, and stars in the spotlight, the lineups and stats could be decisive in this encounter.
📊 Head-to-Head Stats: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
Here’s how the numbers stack up between the two Madrid giants:
| Stat | Atletico Madrid | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Total Competitive Wins (last 71 meetings) | 15 | 33 |
| Draws | 23 | 23 |
| Goals Scored (H2H) | ~65 | ~85 |
| Average Goals per Match | – | 2.75 |
| BTTS (Both Teams to Score) | 59% of matches | 59% of matches |
| Matches Over 2.5 Goals | 46% | 46% |
| Clean Sheet Rate | 22% | 28% |
✅ Interpretation: Real Madrid have historically dominated this rivalry, but the derby often produces tight contests. Nearly 6 in 10 meetings see both sides score.
📋 Atletico Madrid: Predicted Lineup & Team News
Formation Likely: 4-4-2
Probable Starting XI:
- GK: Jan Oblak
- DEF: Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, David Hancko
- MID: Koke, Pablo Barrios, Conor Gallagher, Giuliano Simeone
- ATT: Alexander Sørloth, Julián Álvarez
Key Team Notes:
- Injuries: José María Giménez, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso are ruled out.
- Boost: Sørloth returns from suspension, partnering Álvarez in attack.
- Tactics: Expect Diego Simeone’s men to stay compact, absorb pressure, and look for counter-attacking opportunities.
⚔️ Real Madrid: Predicted Lineup & Team News
Formation Likely: 4-2-3-1
Probable Starting XI:
- GK: Thibaut Courtois
- DEF: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, Alex Carreras
- MID (Pivot): Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde
- ATT MID: Franco Mastantuono, Arda Güler (or Jude Bellingham), Vinícius Jr
- ST: Kylian Mbappé
Key Team Notes:
- Injuries: Antonio Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy unavailable.
- Big Boost: Jude Bellingham is back in the squad but may not start.
- Tactics: Xabi Alonso will look to dominate possession, use wide overloads, and rely on Mbappé & Vinícius for decisive attacking moments.
📦 Quick Stats Box: 2025 Season Snapshot
| Category | Atletico Madrid | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Current La Liga Form (last 5 games) | 2 Wins – 2 Losses – 1 Draw | 5 Wins – 0 Loss – 0 Draw |
| Goals Scored (Season so far) | 8 | 16 |
| Goals Conceded | 7 | 3 |
| Top Scorer 2025/26 | Julián Álvarez (3 goals) | Kylian Mbappé (7 goals) |
| Manager | Diego Simeone | Xabi Alonso |
🔑 Key Tactical Battles
- Midfield Control
- Atletico: Koke & Barrios anchoring with grit.
- Real: Tchouaméni & Valverde dictating tempo.
- ✅ Advantage: Real Madrid.
- Wide Play
- Vinícius Jr & Güler/Bellingham vs Atletico full-backs.
- Could stretch Simeone’s compact shape.
- Striker Duel
- Mbappé’s pace vs Lenglet & Le Normand’s defensive awareness.
- Sørloth’s aerial power against Militão.
- Goalkeepers
- Oblak vs Courtois: Two world-class shot-stoppers who could decide a tight contest.
🔮 Prediction
Real Madrid look stronger on paper with depth and attacking firepower. Atletico will fight hard, but their injuries and inconsistency could cost them.
Predicted Score: Atletico Madrid 1–2 Real Madrid
🙋 FAQs Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Lineups
Q1: Who has the better head-to-head record?
A: Real Madrid, with 33 wins compared to Atletico’s 15 in the last 71 meetings.
Q2: Will Jude Bellingham play in this match?
A: He’s back in the squad but may be eased in from the bench.
Q3: Which Atletico player is most dangerous?
A: Julián Álvarez, who recently scored a hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano.
Q4: Who are Real Madrid’s key absentees?
A: Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Q5: How many goals are usually scored in the Madrid derby?
A: On average, around 2.75 goals per game.
Q6: Which formation will Atletico use?
A: Likely a 4-4-2, focusing on compact defense and counters.
✅ Conclusion
The Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid lineups highlight two different philosophies: Simeone’s defensive resilience vs Alonso’s possession-based attack.
With Real Madrid’s perfect start and Mbappé in lethal form, they enter as favorites. But Atletico at home can never be underestimated—the derby has a way of springing surprises.
Football fans worldwide can expect drama, intensity, and tactical chess when the two giants clash.
