Madrid Derby: Xabi Alonso’s Debut in a High-Stakes Showdown

The Spanish capital braces for its most anticipated footballing spectacle
as Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid prepare to ignite their fierce rivalry
for the 241st time. This Saturday’s clash, however, carries an added layer
of intrigue as it marks Xabi Alonso’s debut on the touchline for the
Madrid derby.

Set for La Liga Gameweek 7, this installment of Spain’s second-biggest
rivalry pits a red-hot Real Madrid, boasting a perfect seven-game winning
streak, against an Atlético Madrid side that has struggled for consistency
with just nine points to their name.

A Derby Unlike Any Other

Despite their stuttering start to the 2025–26 campaign, Diego Simeone’s
Atlético Madrid historically elevates their game against their illustrious
neighbors. Los Colchoneros will be desperate to inflict Real Madrid’s
first defeat of the season, especially after being unceremoniously dumped
out of last season’s Champions League Round of 16 by Los Blancos.

Over the past three La Liga derbies, an intriguing pattern has emerged:
all three encounters have ended in draws, highlighting the sheer parity
and tension that defines this rivalry.

However, overcoming the league leaders will require a monumental effort.
Real Madrid stands as one of only four teams across Europe’s top five
leagues to enjoy a perfect start to the 2025–26 season, a testament to
their formidable form under Alonso.

Match Details

• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Stadium: Metropolitano
• Date: Saturday, September 27
• Kick-off Time: 3:15 p.m. BST / 10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15
  a.m. PT
• Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas

Head-to-Head: A Tightly Contested History

The last five meetings between these two giants reveal a balanced rivalry:

• Atlético Madrid: 1 win
• Real Madrid: 1 win
• Draws: 3

Their most recent encounter saw Atlético Madrid defeat Real Madrid 1–0 (4–2
on penalties) in the Champions League on March 12, 2022.

Current Form (All Competitions)

Atlético Madrid

• Atlético Madrid 3–2 Rayo Vallecano – 24/9/25
• Mallorca 1–1 Atlético Madrid – 21/9/25
• Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid – 17/9/25
• Atlético Madrid 2–0 Villarreal – 13/9/25
• Alavés 1–1 Atlético Madrid – 30/8/25

Real Madrid

• Real Madrid 4–1 Levante – 23/9/25
• Real Madrid 2–0 Espanyol – 20/9/25
• Real Madrid 2–1 Marseille – 16/9/25
• Real Sociedad 2–1 Real Madrid – 13/9/25
• Real Madrid 2–1 Mallorca – 30/8/25

Where to Watch

• United States: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, FuboTV
• United Kingdom: LaLigaTV
• Canada: TSN+, Prime Video, TSN5
• Mexico: Sky+, Sky Sports

For a comprehensive list of La Liga broadcasters worldwide,
click here.

Atlético Madrid Team News

Atlético Madrid will navigate this crucial derby without the services of
injured trio José María Giménez, Thiago Almada, and Johnny Cardoso. While
their return is anticipated in the coming weeks, they won’t feature on
Saturday.

However, there’s good news for Simeone as striker Alexander Sørloth is
back in contention after serving his one-game suspension for a red card
against Mallorca. He is expected to partner Julián Alvarez upfront. This
could see Antoine Griezmann, who has yet to record a goal or an assist in
seven appearances this season, start from the bench.

Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios,
Gallagher; Alvarez, Sørloth.

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid continues to contend with long-term absentees Trent
Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Antonio Rüdiger, leaving Alonso with a
depleted backline. Nevertheless, Dani Carvajal, Álvaro Carreras, Dean
Huijsen, and Éder Militão have admirably stepped up to solidify the
defense.

Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick have all returned from
injury. While Endrick awaits his first minutes of the season, Alonso has
confirmed both Bellingham and Camavinga are fit to start. However, the
manager may opt for caution, potentially giving Franco Mastantuono his
first Madrid derby start upfront. Aurélien Tchouaméni is also expected to
reclaim his spot in the starting XI after a well-deserved midweek rest.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Courtois; Carvajal, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni;
Mastantuono, Güler, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.

Score Prediction

In recent seasons, Atlético Madrid has proven to be a formidable opponent
for Real Madrid, particularly in La Liga. They were the only team to
defeat Los Blancos in 2023–24 and held them to two draws last season.

However, the current iteration of Atlético Madrid appears to lack the
defensive solidity needed to deny Real Madrid three points. With only one
clean sheet this season, Simeone’s side will likely struggle to contain
the potent attacking duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. While the
passionate crowd at the Metropolitano will undoubtedly galvanize Los
Colchoneros, Real Madrid’s blistering form suggests they will emerge
victorious.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1–2 Real Madrid

Amanda Langell is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering the
European game and international competitions.