Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid meet on Sunday, 20 September 2026, in a crucial LaLiga clash as both sides attempt to keep pace with leaders FC Barcelona, who have made an impressive start to the season.
The tactical decisions of Diego Simeone and Jose Mourinho could prove decisive in a match featuring two strong and creative line-ups. Atletico are expected to select a side built around defensive strength, while Real Madrid are likely to include Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham from the start.
Atletico de Madrid
Simeone will have to cope without Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth, who are both injured. However, the Atletico manager still has enough depth to name a highly competitive XI for the meeting with Real Madrid.
Cristian Romero is expected to partner Robin Le Normand in central defence, combining Romero’s physical presence with Le Normand’s defensive discipline. Jan Oblak should start in goal, with Marcos Llorente and Alex Grimaldo completing the back four.
Johnny Cardoso’s inclusion in midfield would provide energy and allow captain Koke to manage the game from a deeper position. Lee Kang-in and Ademola Lookman are also expected to feature in midfield.
Further forward, Alex Baena could operate behind Jonathan David. His advanced position would give Atletico an additional creative outlet as they attempt to break through Real Madrid’s defence.
Atletico de Madrid probable XI: Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Cristian Romero, Robin Le Normand, Alex Grimaldo; Lee Kang-in, Johnny Cardoso, Koke, Ademola Lookman; Jonathan David, Alex Baena.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are expected to field a balanced side, with Guler and Bellingham providing creativity behind Kylian Mbappe. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen are likely to continue together in central defence.
Thibaut Courtois should start in goal, protected by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras. Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva are expected to form the deeper midfield pairing.
Vinicius Junior is likely to join Guler and Bellingham in the attacking midfield line, with Mbappe leading the attack.
Real Madrid remain without Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. New signings Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi are expected to make their appearances during the second half.
Real Madrid probable XI: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe.
The match will be Atletico de Madrid’s seventh league fixture of the Spanish championship. According to the listed betting odds, Atletico are priced at 3.40 to win, the draw is 3.80 and Real Madrid are 1.88 favourites.