Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid meet in key LaLiga derby

Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid face one another on Sunday, 20 September 2026, in a derby with major significance in the race to stay close to LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona, who have made an excellent start to the season.

The tactical decisions made by Diego Simeone and Jose Mourinho could prove decisive in a match between two sides aiming to strengthen their position near the top of the table. Both clubs have named strong probable line-ups for the Madrid derby.

Atletico de Madrid

Atletico de Madrid will have to cope without Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth, who are both injured. Simeone nevertheless has considerable depth at his disposal and is expected to select a competitive starting XI.

Cristian Romero could partner Robin Le Normand at the heart of the defence, combining Romero’s physical presence with Le Normand’s defensive discipline. Jan Oblak is set to continue in goal.

Johnny Cardoso is expected to start in midfield, providing energy and allowing captain Koke to play with greater support. Lee Kang-in and Ademola Lookman are also included in the predicted midfield.

Further forward, Alex Baena could be used in an advanced role behind Jonathan David. His creativity would offer Atletico an additional threat as they look to break through the Real Madrid defence.

Atletico de Madrid probable XI

Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Cristian Romero, Robin Le Normand, Alex Grimaldo

Midfielders: Lee Kang-in, Johnny Cardoso, Koke, Ademola Lookman

Attackers: Jonathan David, Alex Baena

Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho is expected to name an XI built around both strength and creativity, with Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham likely to start.

Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen are tipped to retain their places in central defence, while Thibaut Courtois is set to start in goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras are expected to complete the back four.

Real Madrid remain without Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. New signings Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi are expected to make their debuts from the bench during the second half.

Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva are predicted to form the deeper midfield pairing, with Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior operating behind Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid probable XI

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras

Defensive midfielders: Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva

Attacking midfielders: Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior

Centre-forward: Kylian Mbappe

The betting company 1xbet lists Atletico de Madrid at 3.40 to win, with the draw priced at 3.80 and a Real Madrid victory at 1.88. Another quoted price for the Madrid derby is 1.81.