Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid: The unpredictability of the Madrid derby

Real Madrid currently ranks second in the La Liga 2025-2026 standings. They are now 4 points behind Barcelona. The opportunity to overtake the Catalan club and claim the championship title still exists for coach Alvaro Arbeloa and his team. The condition is that they must win their own matches and hope their rival Barcelona slips up.

The Bernabeu-based team has overcome a difficult period. Their recent 2-1 victory over Man City in the Champions League marked their fourth consecutive win across all competitions. This has significantly boosted the morale of Los Blancos in recent times.

Returning to domestic competition, in a context where Barcelona is likely to secure a full 3 points in their home match against Rayo Vallecano, Los Blancos will be forced to win this round's Madrid derby. For Arbeloa, this Madrid derby resembles a final. The showdown with Diego Simeone's Atletico is decisive for their chance to compete for the top spot alongside Barcelona. However, this is a difficult task because Atletico is always ready to obstruct this troublesome "neighbor".

Arbeloa is transforming Real Madrid in terms of spirit and personnel. He boldly utilizes young players to enhance the club's pride, notably midfielder Thiago Pitarch. Arbeloa's Real is performing well, winning 5 out of their last 6 matches, including two impressive victories over Man City in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. At their home Bernabeu stadium this season, the White Herd consistently demonstrates their strength. They have won 12 out of their last 14 home matches against opponents.

However, Atletico is a very different opponent. In their last 5 domestic visits to the Bernabeu, coach Diego Simeone's team has never experienced defeat.

Atletico's current form is also not inferior to Real's. Specifically in La Liga, Atletico has been more stable than Real recently. Los Rojiblancos have won all of their last 4 matches, while the Spanish Royal club has won 2 and lost 2. Currently, coach Diego Simeone's team has climbed to the 3rd position in the standings and sits right behind Real.

Before this crucial match, Real is facing many difficulties in defense. They have lost several key players due to injuries, notably goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Additionally, defenders Eder Militao, Ferlan Mendy, and Raul Asencio are also unavailable.

Real receives good news as their top French striker Kylian Mbappe may return, but this forward is unlikely to regain his form immediately after a period away from the pitch due to injury.

Atletico is also missing very important players such as goalkeeper Jan Oblak, midfielder Pablo Barrios, and Rodrigo Mendoza.

The match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will take place at 3:00 on March 23.