Real Madrid have won four of the last five Madrid derbies, seeking three successive victories over Atlético for the first time since December 2020. However, los Blancos have won just one of their last nine visits to the Metropolitano, smashed there 5-2 a year ago.
So, ahead of one of the biggest matches of the season in La Liga, check out our preview, predictions, team news and TV info.
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid match info
- Date: Sunday 20 September 2026.
- Kick off times: 4:15pm (local) and 10:15am (ET)
- Competition: La Liga matchday 7
- Venue: Estadio Metropolitano - Madrid
- How to watch: ESPN+ (USA), DAZN & Movistar+ (Spain) and Premier Sports (UK).
How can I watch Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid?
Country | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN2 & ESPN+ |
United Kingdom & Ireland | Premier Sports 1 |
Spain | Movistar+ & DAZN |
Canada | TSN5 |
Australia, New Zealand and Arab countries | beIN SPORTS |
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan & Portugal | DAZN |
Africa | SuperSport |
Netherlands | Ziggo Sport |
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid match preview
In the final match before an enormous international break, who will claim three precious points in the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano? So far, since José Mourinho's return, Real Madrid have won six out of seven in all competition, but onlookers remain unconvinced.
On Tuesday night, los Blancos were 2-0 up and cruising at Elche, only to conceded twice in quick succession, seemingly throwing away two points. Nevertheless, for the second time already this season, Carlos Espí came off the bench to snatch a stoppage time winner, this time tapping home from close-range, having been set up by Kylian Mbappé.
This goal means los Merengues remain three points adrift league leaders Barcelona, who are yet to put a foot wrong. Real Madrid's only dropped points, thus far, came in a crazy game at the Cartuja, beaten 1-0 by Real Betis, with Mbappé seeing a last-gasp spot-kick saved that night.
Nevertheless, Mourinho's team are yet to convince, particularly on the road, requiring injury time goals from Espí to beat both Espanyol and now Elche. Thus, this will be the toughest test los Blancos have faced so far, and victory would really underline their title aspirations.
Atlético Madrid meantime, as has been the case in recent seasons, are in danger of being out of the title race before it has even truly began. Diego Simeone's side are currently two points below their visitors, having drawn 2-2 with Villarreal last month, before being demolished 3-0 by Athletic Club at San Mamés a fortnight ago.
Since then though, los Colchoneros have enjoyed back-to-back wins, first beating Real Sociedad 3-0 at Anoeta, albeit all the goals came in the final six minutes. Then, on Wednesday, Atleti demolished Osasuna 4-0 at home; Jonathan David, Lee Kang-in, Robin Le Normand and Álex Baena all on target.
Nevertheless, having also been beaten by Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League, one could certainly argue that Simeone's side are yet to beat anyone of serious repute, something they'll be seeking to change on Sunday. Well, victory for Atlético Madrid would see them leapfrog Real in the table, and catapult themselves back into the title conversation.
This is one of the biggest fixtures anywhere in European football, with the Madrid derby never a match to be missed, and this latest iteration is very tough to call.
Atlético Madrid team news
Having seemingly been reintegrated into the team, Julián Álvarez has missed the last two matches due to muscle overload. The Argentine was the star of the show when Atleti beat Real Madrid 5-2 this time last year, but his participation in this derby is in doubt. Alexander Sørloth is also sidelined.
Lee Kang-in, Álex Baena and Jonathan David all scored in mid-week, but the more hard-working Giuliano Simeone is set to be restored to attack. There will be a derby debut for Cristian Romero, and a yellow card being brandished his way feels pretty inevitable.
Real Madrid team news
Denzel Dumfries will return in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, with Jude Bellingham back in midfield. This will see Arda Güler return to the right, with Yan Diomandé dropping out. Antonio Rüdiger is often the main character in these derbies, but Dean Huijsen is once again likely to partner Ibrahima Konaté at centre-back.
In attack, Vinícius Júnior is seeking to score at the Metropolitano for the very first time, while Kylian Mbappé has netted twice in three Madrid derbies to date.
Predicted Line-ups
- Atlético Madrid predicted lineup: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Romero, Grimaldo; Koke, Cardoso, Giuliano, Baena; Lookman, David.
- Real Madrid predicted lineup: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Güler, Vinícius, Mbappé.
- Score prediction: Atlético Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid
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