BETTING GUIDE: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid, match preview, team news and prediction
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 27.09.25. | 09:00
Real Madrid have hit the ground running under Xabi Alonso, with six straight league victories propelling them to the top of the table.
The first Madrid derby of the 2025/26 La Liga season headlines Saturday’s action, as Real Madrid travel to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to face Atlético Madrid in what promises to be a pulsating affair.
The two city rivals head into the game in contrasting form - Los Blancos have made a perfect start to the campaign with six wins from six, while Atlético, sitting eighth, have just nine points and remain plagued by inconsistency.
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This fixture has often been fiercely contested regardless of form, and recent history reflects that.
Each of the last three La Liga derbies has ended 1-1, and Atléti are unbeaten in five league clashes with Real Madrid.
Can Diego Simeone’s men use home advantage to halt Real’s early momentum, or will Xabi Alonso’s side make it seven wins in a row?
Atlético Madrid returned to winning ways in dramatic fashion last weekend, edging Rayo Vallecano 3-2 courtesy of a hat-trick from Julián Álvarez.
It was a timely boost for Simeone’s side, who had failed to win in their previous three games, and have looked vulnerable defensively - conceding seven goals in six matches.
Traditionally known for their defensive discipline, Atleti have looked unusually porous this term.
Their 3-2 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League exposed a fragile backline, and Simeone must find a way to contain Real’s high-speed attack without José Giménez, who remains sidelined with injury.
Thiago Almada also misses out, while Alexander Sørloth returns from suspension but may start from the bench.
Despite their current form, Atleti boast a solid record at home in this fixture.
Real Madrid have won just twice in their last eight league visits to the Metropolitano.
If Atlético are to extend that resistance, they’ll need Álvarez to continue his scoring form and rely on their industrious midfield to keep Real's rhythm in check.
Real Madrid have hit the ground running under Xabi Alonso, with six straight league victories propelling them to the top of the table.
Their latest outing – a 4-1 thrashing of Levante – was another demonstration of their attacking power, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, who scored a brace to take his tally to seven goals in six league games.
Injuries remain a concern, especially in defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy are all unavailable, forcing Alonso to continue rotating his backline.
Dean Huijsen is set to return to the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension for a red card.
There’s also good news in midfield – Jude Bellingham is finally fit to start and could make his full season debut after two substitute appearances.
Tactically, Real play with speed, precision, and high pressing – a system that has allowed Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior to flourish.
Real have scored two or more goals in each of their last four matches, and while they’ve also conceded in four of their last five, their firepower has been more than enough to compensate.
This derby could come down to how well Atlético contain Real Madrid’s transition play.
With Mbappé and Vinícius on either flank, Real can exploit space with frightening pace.
Atlético’s full-backs and central midfielders must stay compact and prevent Real from turning defensive actions into immediate attacks.
On the flip side, Atlético will look to disrupt Real’s midfield rhythm and force turnovers high up the pitch.
Álvarez’s movement and link-up play will be key, especially if Atlético try to press Real’s defence into mistakes.
Simeone may deploy a more aggressive setup than usual, but he'll also be wary of over-committing.
Expect a match of calculated risks, with both teams capable of hurting each other in transition.
Key Pointers
Real Madrid have won 8 consecutive matches in all competitions this season.
Both teams have scored in 10 of the last 11 Madrid derbies.
Atletico are unbeaten in their last 5 La Liga games against Real Madrid (W1, D4).
Only one of the last eight league meetings at the Metropolitano has ended in a Real win.
4 of the last 5 Madrid derbies have seen fewer than 4.5 cards - expect a tactical battle over a brawl.
Form often goes out the window in the Madrid derby, but Real Madrid’s momentum, attacking fluency, and superior squad depth may be enough to edge them past their local rivals.
While Atlético have home advantage and a solid derby record, their defensive issues and inconsistent form could be exposed by Real’s pace and precision.
That said, recent history suggests a close contest, and both teams are expected to score, given their attacking output and defensive vulnerabilities. Expect goals, drama, and maybe another narrow Real Madrid win to keep their perfect start intact.
Prediction : BTTS – Yes
Goals at both ends feel inevitable.
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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