Madrid Derby Explodes in Spanish Super Cup Showdown: Atletico vs Real Battle Preview, Bold Predictions & Starting XI Revealed
With a place in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona at stake, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are preparing for their 242nd encounter in history.
The Madrid rivals are bringing their intense competition to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, just four months following the first Madrid derby of the campaign that dominated Spanish sports headlines. Diego Simeone guided his team to an impressive 5–2 triumph over Real Madrid in September, leaving the 15-time European title holders devastated and embarrassed at the Metropolitano.
Los Blancos will undoubtedly seek revenge in Thursday's encounter, particularly with increasing pressure on both Xabi Alonso and his squad. A disappointing result in the Spanish Super Cup could threaten the Spaniard's position as manager, and bring further shame to his team given their recent poor performances.
Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, would relish nothing more than securing consecutive wins against their fierce adversaries to secure their spot in the Spanish Super Cup final. Los Colchoneros have only claimed the trophy on two occasions, with their most recent triumph dating back to 2014.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the match.
What Time Does Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?
Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Atlético Madrid | Real Madrid |
|---|---|
Real Sociedad 1–1 Atlético Madrd - 1/4/26 | Real Madrid 5–1 Real Betis - 1/4/26 |
Girona 0–3 Atlético Madrid - 12/21/25 | Real Madrid 2–0 Sevilla - 12/20/25 |
Atlético Baleares 2–3 Atlético Madrid - 12/17/25 | Talavera 2–3 Real Madrid - 12/17/25 |
Atlético Madrid 2–1 Valencia - 12/13/25 | Alavés 1–2 Real Madrid - 12/14/25 |
PSV Eindhoven 2–3 Atlético Madrid - 12/9/25 | Real Madrid 1–2 Man City - 12/10/25 |
How to Watch Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN2, ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes, fuboTV |
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1 |
Canada | Not Televised |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+ |
Atlético Madrid Team News
Simeone continues to be without Clément Lenglet and Nicolás González, who are recovering from knee and thigh problems respectively. Both players are anticipated to return before January ends, but couldn't recover sufficiently to join the squad in Jeddah.
Pablo Barrios, however, was named in Atlético Madrid's Spanish Super Cup roster and made the journey with the team despite sustaining a calf problem over the weekend. The Spanish midfielder faces a final fitness assessment for Thursday's showdown, with Conor Gallagher prepared to step into the midfield role if required.
In the backline, José María Giménez is set to make his first appearance in six weeks following his recovery from a hamstring problem. The Uruguayan's comeback will boost Los Colchoneros' confidence, particularly with Julián Alvarez spearheading the attack.
Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Pubill, Hancko; Simeone, Gallagher, Koke, Baena; Sørloth, Alvarez.
Real Madrid Team News
If Real Madrid hopes to capture Spanish Super Cup success, they must do so without Kylian Mbappé. The team's top scorer remains in Spain's capital due to a knee problem, creating an opportunity for Gonzalo García to earn a starting role.
Mbappé is joined by Éder Militão in the treatment room. Brahim Díaz is also missing for the Madrid derby as he continues with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The positive news for Alonso is that Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal all traveled to Jeddah. The Spanish center-back is expected to start alongside Antonio Rüdiger in defense, while Federico Valverde maintains his somewhat reluctant position on the right wing.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Courtois; Valverde, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Rodrygo, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; G. García, Vinicius Junior.
Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
Despite the one-sided result of September's Madrid derby, encounters between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are typically tight, low-scoring matches determined by a single brilliant moment from either team. Physical challenges and organized defenses usually dominate instead of high-scoring spectacles.
Alonso's squad holds a marginal advantage in Thursday's fixture, despite missing Mbappé. The 15-time European champions scored five goals against Real Betis last weekend while Los Colchoneros could only manage a 1–1 stalemate with 15th-placed Real Sociedad.
Furthermore, Los Blancos will be eager to seek retribution for their humiliating loss four months earlier. A renewed sense of belief combined with a desire for payback propels Real Madrid into the Spanish Super Cup final.