Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups Revealed

La Liga pauses for the March international break after a high-stakes Madrid derby. Real Madrid host Atlético Madrid at the Bernabéu on Sunday, March 22. Álvaro Arbeloa will take charge of his first derby from the Real bench.

Form and recent meetings

Real Madrid arrive buoyed by a comprehensive Champions League round-of-16 win over Manchester City. They won 3–0 in the first leg and followed with a 2–1 victory at the Etihad.

Atlético progressed in Europe with a comfortable win over Tottenham Hotspur. Diego Simeone’s side have scored 23 goals across their last nine matches.

Recent league meetings favour Atlético. Real have not beaten Atlético in their last six La Liga encounters. Their last league victory over Atlético came in 2022.

Derby dynamics

The third Madrid derby of the season carries extra weight. Real avenged a 5–2 defeat from September by winning the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.

Atlético will try to extend their dominance. Simeone’s team aims to make it five straight La Liga wins over their city rivals.

Injuries and availability

Thibaut Courtois will miss the match with a muscular injury. Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo are also sidelined.

Álvaro Carreras, Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio are expected to return to contention. Kylian Mbappé returned midweek for a 20-minute cameo and should start.

Jude Bellingham could see his first minutes since February 1, though a start is unlikely. Castilla graduate Thiago Pitarch keeps his place in midfield discussions.

Atlético face midfield absences with Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo Mendoza injured. Marcos Llorente may pair with Johnny Cardoso in the pivot.

Jan Oblak is a late fitness doubt after missing recent games. Juan Musso has performed well and could retain the goalkeeper spot.

Predicted lineups

This preview offers predictions and lineups revealed ahead of the showdown.

• Real Madrid (predicted 4-4-2): Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Pitarch, Tchouaméni, Güler; Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
• Atlético Madrid (predicted 4-4-2): Musso; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Álvarez.

Match prediction and key factors

The derby is likely to be settled by small margins. Real possess a slight quality advantage with Mbappé back. Atlético remain difficult to break down under Simeone.

Home form, squad fitness and bench options will matter. Expect intensity, physical battles and limited clear-cut chances.

Prediction: 2–2 draw.

Match details and broadcast

• United States: ESPN Deportes, ESPN Select, ESPN App, fuboTV
• United Kingdom: Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player
• Canada: TSN+
• Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+

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