Real Madrid hosts fierce rival Atletico Madrid: Lineups, absences, prediction, and everything you need to know about the Madrid derby
One of the biggest matches on the football calendar will take place on Sunday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where Real Madrid welcomes arch-rival Atletico Madrid in the capital derby.
“Los Blancos” are currently second in the La Liga table, four points behind leaders FC Barcelona, while Atletico sits in third place, nine points behind their city rivals.
Team news and absences:
Real Madrid will be without Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo, and Thibaut Courtois, all ruled out for this match.
However, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Raul Asencio could return to the squad, while Jude Bellingham is available again after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Kylian Mbappe returned from a knee injury as a substitute against Manchester City and is expected to start alongside Vinicius Junior in attack, while Alvaro Carreras may return at left-back.
At Atletico Madrid, Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo Mendoza are out due to injuries, while Jan Oblak remains a major doubt with a hip problem. If he misses out, Juan Musso is expected to start again in goal.
Marc Pubill could return in defense for Atletico this weekend, while Alexander Sorloth may start in attack, with Antoine Griezmann possibly beginning the derby on the bench. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez, who has scored 17 goals this season, will look to add to his tally amid speculation about his future.
Probable lineups:
Real Madrid: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde; Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius
Atletico Madrid: Musso; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Sorloth, Alvarez
Prediction:
Real Madrid 2–1 Atletico Madrid
Since December 2021, Real Madrid has not beaten Atletico at the Bernabeu in La Liga, but this time the hosts are seen as favorites to take all three points.
Mbappe’s return is considered decisive, and Alvaro Arbeloa’s team is expected to find its way to a much-needed victory.
