BETTING GUIDE: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid, match preview, team news and prediction
Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 22.03.26. | 13:00
The clash carries enormous significance in La Liga, with Los Blancos sitting second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona, while their city rivals occupy fourth place, nine points adrift
One of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in world football returns this Sunday as Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
The clash carries enormous significance in La Liga, with Los Blancos sitting second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona, while their city rivals occupy fourth place, nine points adrift.
With both sides competing for top-four positions and chasing silverware in multiple competitions, this derby promises intensity, drama, and pivotal implications for the remainder of the season.
Los Blancos enter this fixture with momentum on their side, having won four consecutive matches across all competitions, including league victories over Celta Vigo and Elche.
However, recent defeats to Osasuna and Getafe underline the fine margins in the title race and highlight the pressure Real Madrid face to secure three points against their city rivals.
In La Liga, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side boasts a record of 21 wins, three draws, and four losses from 28 matches, while their home form has been particularly impressive, with 12 victories from 14 games at the Bernabéu.
Overall, Real Madrid have averaged 2.57 goals per match this season while conceding 0.89, demonstrating their attacking potency and defensive solidity.
Team news presents a mixed picture for Los Blancos.
Defenders Eder Militao (hamstring), Dani Ceballos (calf), Rodrygo (knee), and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (thigh) are all confirmed absentees.
However, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Raúl Asencio could return to bolster the squad, while Jude Bellingham may be available for a place on the bench.
The returning Kylian Mbappé, who featured off the bench in midweek’s 2-1 Champions League win over Manchester City, will likely partner Vinicius Junior in attack, offering Real Madrid a significant boost in pace and creativity in the final third.
Atletico Madrid arrive in Madrid’s capital with confidence, having secured four wins in their last six matches across all competitions, including a notable 7-5 aggregate victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League round of 16, despite a 3-2 loss in the second leg.
In La Liga, Diego Simeone’s side have an overall record of 17 wins, six draws, and five losses, while away performances have been less impressive, with just one win in their last five league matches on the road.
Atletico have scored 13 goals in away league fixtures compared to 34 on home soil, suggesting potential vulnerability at the Bernabéu.
In terms of personnel, Pablo Barrios (thigh) and Rodrigo Mendoza (muscle) are sidelined, while Jan Oblak remains a major doubt due to a hip issue, which may open the door for Juan Musso in goal.
Marc Pubill is expected to return in defense, and Alexander Sorloth could feature in attack, potentially seeing Antoine Griezmann drop to the bench. Striker Julian Alvarez remains a key figure in Atletico’s attacking play, having netted 17 goals this season.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have enjoyed a competitive rivalry in recent years, with four of the last six league encounters ending in draws.
Notably, Real have not beaten Atletico at home in La Liga since December 2021, while Atletico have earned points on each of their last three Bernabéu visits.
Across all competitions, Real Madrid have won nine of their last 10 home fixtures, scoring 30 goals and conceding just seven, highlighting their efficiency in front of goal. Meanwhile, Atletico’s away struggles persist, with just a single win in their last five road matches.
Key Betting Pointers;
Real Madrid have won 12 of 14 La Liga home matches this season
Real Madrid have won nine of their last 10 at home across all competitions, scoring 30 goals and conceding seven
Real Madrid have an xG difference per 90 of +1.11 compared to +0.49 for Atleti
Atletico have just a single win in their last five away matches, losing three
Atletico have scored 13 goals away from home compared to 34 on home soil
Despite Atletico’s historical resilience at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid’s attacking depth, the return of Mbappé, and their imperative to close the gap on Barcelona make them favorites. Expect a competitive encounter with goals at both ends, but Los Blancos should edge the derby, potentially winning 2-1 in a closely contested clash.
Prediction; Real Madrid Wins
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