How will Atlético Madrid line up at Real Madrid in LALIGA?
Atlético visit Real Madrid, hoping to win both league derbies for the first time since 2014/15.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Atletico de Madrid at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) | Getty Images The season’s third Madrid Derby takes place on Sunday night, when Real Madrid host Atlético de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Atlético (17-6-5, 57 points) have been focused on the cup competitions for several weeks; Diego Simeone has been using the league games to manage his squad and rotate between his A- and B-teams.
After his side eliminated Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Simeone will take charge of his 50th derby, hoping to see his Atleti side extend their unbeaten streak in the league against Real Madrid to seven derbies. However, Simeone may keep his rotation policy somewhat in place on Sunday night, even though his side could seriously disrupt Real Madrid’s season with a first win at the Bernabéu for 10 years. It would also move Atleti to within six points of second place with head-to-head advantage over Los Blancos secured.
Madrid (21-3-4, 66 points) could fall seven points behind leaders FC Barcelona with a loss, while a draw would keep Álvaro Arbeloa’s men six points behind their Clásico rivals with nine rounds remaining. Since Xabi Alonso’s January dismissal, Madrid have suffered an embarrassing Copa del Rey elimination under former Castilla coach Arbeloa, but Madrid have won four in a row — including both legs of their Champions League last 16 tie against continental rivals Manchester City. Team news Cholo Simeone on Saturday heavily implied that he would rotate his team in the derby — perhaps a logical decision due to the fixture congestion.
Sunday will mark Atlético’s 15th game in 45 calendar across LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. Jan Oblak will miss his third consecutive game due to a muscle strain, leaving Juan Musso the chance to continue his clean sheet streak in LaLiga. Marc Pubill is unlikely to play as the defender continues to recover from a rib injury.