Atlético Vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos Brace For Fierce Derby Battle At Metropolitano

Atlético Madrid are set to host city rivals Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Madrid derby at the Riyadh Air Metroplitano on Sunday (today).

Both sides will be looking to strengthen their position in the La Liga title race before the first international break of the season.

Teams’ Form And Recent Performances

Atletico

Atlético Madrid began the season with a 2-0 home victory over newly promoted Málaga before playing out a 2-2 draw against Villarreal.

Diego Simeone’s side then travelled to Sevilla, where they secured an impressive 3-1 victory, but their momentum was halted by consecutive defeats to Athletic Club and Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

Los Rojiblancos have since responded strongly, recording back-to-back victories over Real Sociedad and Osasuna, winning 3-0 and 4-0 respectively.

Atlético will now turn their attention to their city rivals, knowing that another victory could see them move above Real Madrid in the league standings heading into the international break.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have also enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, winning all but one of their matches across all competitions.

Los Blancos opened the season with three consecutive victories before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Real Betis.

José Mourinho’s side quickly bounced back, defeating Inter Milan 2-1 in the Champions League before recording league victories over Rayo Vallecano and Elche, winning 4-1 and 3-2 respectively.

Real Madrid will be aiming for another three points on Sunday as they look to keep pace with Barcelona, who currently sit at the top of the La Liga table after making a perfect start to the season.

Head-To-Head Statistics

Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid have faced each other 243 times, with Los Blancos holding the historical advantage. Real Madrid have recorded 125 victories compared with Atlético’s 60, while 58 encounters have ended in draws.

However, Atlético have won just one of their last eight meetings with their city rivals.

That victory came at home during the 2025/26 campaign, when Atlético stunned Real Madrid with a 5-2 win. Julian Alvarez scored twice, while Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth and Antoine Griezmann were also on the scoresheet. Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler scored for Real Madrid but could not prevent the defeat.

Key Players Analysis

Atletico

Alex Baena

Alex Baena has emerged as one of Atlético’s standout performers this season after returning from the World Cup with Spain.

The 26-year-old has already registered four goals and an assist. His creativity, movement and ability to operate in the half-spaces make him a constant threat, particularly when looking to deliver dangerous final balls.

Read Also:La Liga: Lookman Features In Atletico Madrid Draw Vs Villarreal

Giuliano Simeone

Giuliano Simeone is another player Real Madrid will need to keep a close eye on.

The 23-year-old brings tremendous energy to Atlético’s attack and is renowned for his relentless pressing, defensive work rate and direct runs into the penalty area.

He has featured in every game for Atlético this season, contributing two goals and two assists.

Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé has enjoyed another prolific start to the season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in seven appearances.

The France international comes into the derby following an outstanding 2025/26 campaign in which he claimed the La Liga, Champions League and World Cup Golden Boots.

His explosive pace, dribbling ability and clinical finishing will make him one of Atlético’s biggest concerns at the Metropolitano.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has also played a key role in Real Madrid’s attacking output, contributing three goals and three assists so far this season.

The England international combines physicality, technical ability and intelligent movement, while his ability to exploit space makes him an important component of Madrid’s midfield and attack.

Team News

Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid will make late assessments on Julian Alvarez, Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth, who are all dealing with muscle-related issues.

Jonathan David could retain his place in the starting XI after scoring in the 4-0 victory over Osasuna, while Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena are expected to feature from the start.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid will be without Eder Militão, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy, who are all sidelined with injuries.

Denzel Dumfries is expected to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Jude Bellingham is set to return to the starting lineup.

Bernardo Silva is pushing for a place in the XI, although Mourinho could opt for the midfield combination of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde.

Vinícius Júnior has scored just once so far this season, but he is still expected to retain his place in the starting lineup.

Possible Starting Line-Ups

Atletico (4-4-2):

Oblak; Llorente, Romero, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Lee, Koke, Cardoso, Baena; Lookman, David

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):

Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouameni; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.