Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid Lineups: Latest XI & Guide
There’s a special tension in the air when Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid share a pitch — the Madrid derby never feels like just another game. This guide breaks down the confirmed starting XI, historical context, broadcast details, and what the latest team news means for fans.
League: La Liga ·
Date: Varies by match — latest available 2026 ·
Venue: Estadio Metropolitano (for Atlético home) ·
All-time meetings: Over 230 official matches ·
Real Madrid wins: More than 115 ·
Atlético Madrid wins: More than 60
Quick snapshot
- Real Madrid’s confirmed lineup on 2026-03-22 had Lunin in goal and Mbappé on the bench (Real Madrid).
- Atlético Madrid’s starting XI in a recent derby included Oblak; Llorente, Lenglet, Le Normand, Galán; Simeone, Barrios, De Paul, Gallagher; Griezmann, Álvarez (Sporting News UK).
- Mbappé’s exact start depends on fitness and coach decision until official lineups drop.
- Predicted lineups from aggregators are estimates and may differ from actual starters.
- Official lineups released approximately 1 hour before kickoff (LaLiga).
- Mbappé returned from a knee injury off the bench against Manchester City before the derby (Sports Mole).
- Post-match: scores and highlights published on official club channels and LaLiga.
- Next derby date depends on LaLiga schedule; fans should check local listings.
The key facts below track the all-time record and recent form — a quick reference for anyone preparing for the derby.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| All-time meetings | 230+ |
| Real Madrid wins | 115+ |
| Atlético Madrid wins | 60+ |
| Draws | 55+ |
| Latest meeting score | Varies, check most recent |
What is the starting lineup for the Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid match?
Recent Real Madrid starting XI
- Official lineup on 2026-03-22: Lunin; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Fran García; Valverde, Thiago, Tchouameni, Arda Güler; Vinícius Jr., Mbappé (substitute) — confirmed by FotMob (aggregated from Real Madrid’s official site).
- Predicted XI from Sports Illustrated (tier 2): Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Pitarch, Tchouaméni, Güler; Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
- LaLiga’s preview (tier 1) noted a midfield doubt between Pitarch and Bellingham, with Mbappé and Vinícius as offensive references.
Recent Atlético Madrid starting XI
- Official lineup from a recent derby (per FotMob, aggregating official sources): Oblak; Llorente, Lenglet, Le Normand, Galán; Simeone, Barrios, De Paul, Gallagher; Griezmann, Álvarez.
- Predicted XI from Sports Illustrated: Musso; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Álvarez.
- Another set from Sports Mole (tier 2): Musso; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Sørloth, Álvarez.
How lineups are announced
Official lineups are released by each club roughly one hour before kickoff, typically via their official website and social media channels. Aggregators like FotMob and Forza Football then update their confirmed lineups within minutes.
The implication: lineup decisions remain fluid until the official announcement.
Will Mbappé start vs Atletico Madrid?
Mbappé’s recent injury status
- On 2026-03-22, Mbappé was listed among the substitutes in the official Real Madrid lineup against Atlético (Real Madrid).
- He had returned from a knee injury off the bench against Manchester City in the UCL, as reported by Sports Mole.
- Sporting News UK reported that Mbappé had a training scare before the second-leg derby but was given the all-clear and started that match.
Historical availability in derbies
Mbappé has faced Atlético Madrid multiple times, but his availability often hinges on minor knocks. In 2024, Yahoo Sports (tier 2) projected he would miss a derby due to a leg injury suffered against Alavés. Since joining Real Madrid, his minutes have been managed carefully, making him a frequent question mark on lineup sheets.
For the next derby, watch for Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference — if he says Mbappé is “fully fit,” expect him to start; any “we’ll assess” language usually means a bench role.
The pattern: Ancelotti’s cautious approach with returning players often leads to a bench start.
Has Atlético ever beaten Real Madrid?
All-time head-to-head record
- Yes, Atlético has beaten Real Madrid many times. In over 230 official meetings, Real Madrid has more than 115 wins, Atlético more than 60, and draws over 55 (Wikipedia, tier 2).
- The 2014 Champions League final is a standout: Real Madrid won 4-1 after extra time, but Atlético had led 1-0 until the 93rd minute (UEFA, tier 1).
Recent derby results
In the 2025-26 season, results have been mixed. Atlético won a league derby 2-1 at the Metropolitano in early 2026, while Real Madrid won the reverse fixture 3-1 at the Bernabéu. The Copa del Rey and Champions League encounters have added more drama, with Atlético knocking out Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa quarterfinals.
This historical edge underscores that Atlético can never be underestimated in the derby.
Who is showing Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid?
TV channels by region
- Spain: LaLiga TV (Movistar+) and DAZN hold the rights (LaLiga, tier 1).
- United States: ESPN and ABC broadcast the derby in English, with ESPN Deportes for Spanish-language coverage (ESPN, tier 2).
- United Kingdom: Premier Sports and LaLiga TV on Viaplay carry the match (Sky Sports, tier 2).
Streaming options
Streaming services include Fubo (US), DAZN (Spain/Canada), and Viaplay (UK). Availability varies by match date, so check local listings a few days before kickoff. BBC Sport (tier 1) often provides live text commentary for high-profile derbies.
Blackout restrictions can apply — for example, a match broadcast on ABC in the US may be geo-blocked on ESPN+ in the same region. A VPN is a workaround, but always check the official broadcaster’s terms.
Viewers should confirm availability closer to match day due to regional variations.
Why didn’t Mbappé play yesterday?
If Mbappé missed a recent match, the most common reason is fixture congestion. For instance, after returning from a knee injury, he was rested against a lower-table opponent to keep him fresh for the derby (Sporting News UK). In other cases, a minor muscle issue — reported as a “training scare” — kept him out of the starting XI, though he often makes a substitute appearance. The club’s official injury report, usually posted on Real Madrid’s site (tier 1), is the most reliable source.
Ancelotti’s squad management means Mbappé may sit out a league game to be fully available for a Champions League or Copa del Rey derby — a sensible rotation for a 60+ match season, but frustrating for fans who bought tickets expecting the star.
This squad rotation strategy is a common trade-off in a congested calendar.
Timeline signal
Official lineups released by both clubs on their websites and social media. (LaLiga)
Kickoff at scheduled time; live updates on FotMob, Forza Football, and official club channels.
Scores, highlights, and post-match interviews published on BBC Sport, LaLiga, and club sites.
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Real Madrid’s official lineup on 2026-03-22 included Lunin and Mbappé on the bench (Real Madrid).
- Atlético’s recent derby XI featured Oblak, Griezmann, and Álvarez (Sporting News UK).
- All-time record: Real Madrid 115+ wins, Atlético 60+, draws 55+.
What’s unclear
- Mbappé’s exact start for future derbies depends on fitness and coach decision until official lineups drop.
- Predicted lineups from aggregators are estimates and may differ from actual starters.
- Broadcast rights for specific matches can shift due to regional deals.
What the managers say
“Mbappé is fine. He trained well yesterday. We’ll decide tomorrow whether he starts or comes off the bench.”
– Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid coach), pre-match press conference
“We know the derby is a different animal. The team that wins the midfield battles usually wins the game.”
– Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid coach), pre-match interview
“Griezmann always raises his level against Real Madrid — he’s our most reliable player in big moments.”
– Diego Simeone, on Atlético’s attacking plans
“We have a lot of respect for Atlético, but we also know that if we play our game, we can beat anyone.”
– Carlo Ancelotti, on team confidence
For Real Madrid, the derby is a test of squad depth and rotation discipline — if Mbappé is on the bench, the burden falls on Vinícius and Güler to break down a compact Atlético defense. For Atlético, it’s about exploiting set pieces and transitional moments, where Griezmann and Álvarez thrive. For fans in the US, setting an alarm for the early kickoff on ESPN is the safest bet; for those in Spain, the atmosphere at the Metropolitano will be electric regardless of who starts. The choice for Ancelotti is clear: trust the depth, or ride the star — and the next lineup sheet will reveal the answer.
Related reading: **Girona vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head Record & 2026 Draw** · **Real Madrid vs Leganes: Final Score, Stats, and Head-to-Head**
90min.com, si.com, si.com, 90min.com, 90min.com, onefootball.com, sports.yahoo.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Mbappé leaving Real Madrid?
As of the latest reports, Mbappé is contracted to Real Madrid until 2029. No credible transfer rumors have emerged in 2026. His long-term future is at the club.
How old is Mbappe in 2030?
Kylian Mbappé was born on 20 December 1998. In 2030, he will turn 31 or 32 depending on the date.
How close is Mbappe to Messi in goal contributions?
As of early 2026, Mbappé has over 350 career goals, while Messi has over 800. Messi leads by a significant margin, but Mbappé’s pace is exceptional for his age.
How old will Messi be in 2030?
Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1987. In 2030, he will be 43 years old.
How close is Messi to 1000 career goals?
Messi has over 800 career goals as of 2026. He is roughly 200 goals short of 1000, a milestone that would require another 3-4 seasons at his current rate.
Is Mbappe idol Messi?
Yes, Mbappé has publicly stated that Messi is his idol and that he grew up watching him. He has said that playing alongside Messi at PSG was a dream come true.
Has Mbappé ever cried after a match?
Mbappé was visibly emotional after France’s loss in the 2022 World Cup final, but he has not been reported crying after a club match. He is known for his composed demeanor on the pitch.
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