Alonso's Ultimate Trial: Real Madrid's Clash with Atletico Madrid Could Define His Legacy

Real Madrid will travel the short distance to the Metropolitano this weekend to face a struggling Atlético Madrid team.

Xabi Alonso has flourished under the pressure of coaching Real Madrid thus far in the 2025–26 campaign. The Spanish manager has guided his former team to the summit of La Liga thanks to Los Blancos' flawless beginning to this season.

While the new manager has already steered Real Madrid to six remarkable wins in Spain's premier division, he now faces a significantly greater challenge against Atlético. The Spanish powerhouse has found it difficult in recent seasons against Los Colchoneros, managing only one victory in their previous seven La Liga encounters with their city rivals.

The expectation will be on Alonso to restore Real Madrid's winning form against Diego Simeone's squad, who are currently positioned in ninth place. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy continue to be the only three players sidelined for Los Blancos.

Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1)

GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois, who found himself at the heart of drama during Real Madrid's previous visit to the Metropolitano, must perform exceptionally to stop Julián Alvarez.

RB: Dani Carvajal—The Spanish defender returns to the starting lineup for what will mark his 435th outing in the famous white jersey.

CB: Éder Militão—In a squad packed with world-class attackers, it was Militão who netted the decisive goal during Los Blancos' previous journey across Madrid. The Brazilian continues to be Alonso's primary weapon from dead-ball situations.

CB: Dean Huijsen—The spotlight falls on Huijsen to deliver in his maiden Madrid derby appearance. The 20-year-old must exercise caution to prevent any further unnecessary yellow cards.

LB: Álvaro Carreras—Carreras moves back to his natural position on the left wing after a surprising start at central defense against Levante.

DM: Federico Valverde—Having already provided three assists this campaign, the Uruguayan is tracking toward surpassing his personal best of eight in a single season. Both Valverde and Real Madrid are reaping the rewards of his shift back to central midfield.

DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Tchouaméni's defensive work against quick transitions will be crucial to Real Madrid's prospects on Saturday.

AM: Arda Güler—Anticipate Güler to be selected ahead of Jude Bellingham, who has accumulated just 20 minutes since his injury comeback. Alonso will probably prefer not to thrust the English midfielder into a Madrid derby too hastily.

RW: Franco Mastantuono—Fresh from scoring his maiden goal in Real Madrid colors, Mastantuono will be full of self-belief, particularly when facing either Javi Galán or Dávid Hancko.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—The French striker enters this match with nine strikes in seven appearances, appearing very much the early frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award.

LW: Vinícius Júnior—Despite his irregular playing time under Alonso, Vinícius Júnior has already recorded six goal contributions across six matches. The Brazilian winger is increasingly resembling his former brilliant self with every game.