Mbappe Returns to Fire Up Real Madrid's Derby Clash Against Atletico—Team News and Starting XI Revealed
Looking to maintain momentum in the La Liga championship chase, Real Madrid welcome Atlético Madrid for another installment of the Madrid derby in what should be a thrilling encounter at the Bernabéu this Sunday evening.
Los Blancos capped off their remarkable comeback against Manchester City with a 2–1 victory at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday to secure their spot in the Champions League quarterfinals. Álvaro Arbeloa's squad are beginning to hit their stride and harbor serious trophy aspirations this campaign.
With crucial players recovering from injuries, Real Madrid might still elevate their performance, particularly with Kylian Mbappé rejoining the squad. Beating their cross-town rivals on Sunday to extend their winning streak to five matches is essential for Los Blancos as they chase Barcelona at the summit of the La Liga table.
Star Player Comeback Overshadowed By Significant New Injury Setback
Mbappé made his comeback in midweek against City and is anticipated to spearhead Real Madrid's offensive line in his first start since Feb. 21, aiming to maintain his impressive Golden Boot campaign. While he's unlikely to be in the starting eleven, Jude Bellingham is also set to feature for the first time since Feb. 1 after overcoming a hamstring problem.
Despite the significance of those two comebacks, Los Blancos encountered an equally major injury setback. First-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois picked up a muscle injury against City in midweek and while Madrid haven't provided a specific recovery timeframe, the Belgian is anticipated to miss approximately six weeks.
Thankfully for Los Blancos, the remainder of their previously injury-hit defensive line is gradually returning to fitness. Éder Militão might make his 2026 debut from the substitutes' bench and Álvaro Carreras is set to start at left-back.
Rodrygo, Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy accompany Courtois as the only confirmed absentees for the encounter. Major alterations to the starting eleven aren't anticipated considering how impressive Arbeloa's team have appeared in recent fixtures.
Real Madrid Expected Starting XI vs. Atlético Madrid (4-4-2)
GK: Andriy Lunin—This will mark Lunin's first start since the disappointing Copa del Rey loss to Albacete. Nevertheless, the substitute has considerable experience and has been exceptional for Madrid previously, contributing significantly to their latest Champions League triumph.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—The summer signing is finally establishing consistency in starts after an injury-affected beginning to the season. He'll be eager to make an impact after being overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for England's squad.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—The German has risen to the occasion when his team required him most during all the injury problems. Now faces the challenging assignment of neutralizing a suddenly potent Atléti offensive unit.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Detractors were vocal about Huijsen following a midseason dip in performance, but the skillful center-back has quieted those voices in recent weeks with solid displays and an excellent goal in the previous La Liga match.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—Many anticipated Carreras would return from injury against City, but with the outcome essentially decided, he was given additional recovery time. Now at full fitness, the left-back can continue what has been a highly impressive inaugural season for Los Blancos.
RM: Federico Valverde—The Uruguayan has been unstoppable at moments in recent weeks and has returned to controlling matches almost single-handedly. Once more, he's performing like one of the most well-rounded midfielders globally.
CM: Thiago Pitarch—What an excellent discovery young Pitarch has proven to be recently. The Castilla academy product has appeared comfortable against some of the world's finest players and is positioned to make his sixth consecutive start in his first senior Madrid derby.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The Frenchman's impact continues to be underappreciated but remains vital. He's among four Real Madrid players to surpass the 2,000-minute threshold in the league this season, demonstrating his reliability.
LM: Arda Güler—Güler has appeared much more settled in recent weeks operating on the left while having the liberty to cut inside, enabling Vinicius to play wide. This tactical adjustment could secure the youngster's position in the starting eleven even when Bellingham returns to the lineup.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—The Frenchman may have been absent for nearly a month due to injury, but he was enjoying a Ballon d'Or caliber season previously and possesses all the attributes to restart that momentum, beginning with an influential display in this major rivalry fixture.
ST: Vinicius Junior—The Brazilian's double against City ended a four-match scoring drought that overshadowed what had been otherwise strong performances. With Mbappé returning, it will be fascinating to observe whether the duo can finally forge the formidable partnership their individual talent should enable.