Madrid Derby Showdown: Atletico and Real Clash in Epic City Battle - Team Lineups and Bold Predictions Inside

Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are preparing for the 241st installment of their fierce rivalry, though Saturday's encounter marks the first with Xabi Alonso patrolling the sidelines.

Spain's second-most intense rivalry takes the spotlight in La Liga Matchday 7. The opening Madrid derby of the 2025–26 campaign features a Real Madrid squad riding a seven-match winning run against an Atlético Madrid outfit sitting on merely nine points.

While Los Colchoneros have struggled in their early season form, Diego Simeone's squad traditionally elevates their performance against their city rivals. Atlético Madrid will be determined to deliver Real Madrid their inaugural defeat of the season, particularly following Los Blancos' Champions League round of 16 elimination of them last campaign.

However, overcoming the table-toppers will require an exceptional performance, as they remain one of only four clubs across Europe's premier five divisions to maintain a flawless start in 2025–26.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the La Liga showdown.

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Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

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Atletico Madrid Team News

Atlético Madrid must face Real Madrid without the services of injured trio José María Giménez, Thiago Almada and Johnny Cardoso. While all three are anticipated to return within the next few weeks, they won't be available for the Madrid derby.

The positive development for Simeone is Alexander Sørloth's return to availability. The forward completed his one-match ban following his red card against Mallorca and should reclaim his spot in the starting eleven alongside Julián Alvarez.

Antoine Griezmann, therefore, appears destined for the substitutes' bench after beginning the campaign without registering a goal or assist across seven outings.

Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher; Alvarez, Sørloth.

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid continue to miss injured players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger. These three long-term casualties leave Alonso with a depleted defensive unit, though Dani Carvajal, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen have all risen to support the backline alongside Éder Militão.

Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick have all recovered from their respective injuries, although the Brazilian is still awaiting his first appearance this season. Alonso confirmed both Bellingham and Camavinga are fit to start, but the coach will likely exercise caution with the pair.

Instead, Franco Mastantuono is expected to receive the starting nod in attack for his maiden Madrid derby. Aurélien Tchouaméni is also positioned to return to the starting lineup following a deserved midweek break.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

In recent seasons, no club has troubled Real Madrid quite like Atlético Madrid, particularly in La Liga competition. Indeed, Simeone's team was the sole side to beat Los Blancos in 2023–24 before managing two stalemates against their greatest rivals last term.

However, the present iteration of Atlético Madrid appears unlikely to prevent Real Madrid from claiming all three points. The atmosphere at the Metropolitano may assist Los Colchoneros in keeping the contest competitive, but a side with only one clean sheet this campaign will find it challenging to neutralize Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1–2 Real Madrid