Atlético Madrid are unbeaten in four home games against neighbours Real Madrid, while 15 of the last 23 editions of the Derbi Madrileño have produced two or fewer goals.
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid preview
Can Real Madrid continue their perfect start to the season? So far, Xabi Alonso could not have dreamt of a better start to life in the Bernabéu hot-seat, winning six out of six in La Liga, as well as starting their Champions League campaign with a victory over Marseille at home. Last time out, on Tuesday, los Blancos were at their brilliant best, demolishing Levante 4-1 at Estadi Ciutat de València, thanks to stupendous strikes from both Vinícius Júnior and then Franco Mastantuono, while Kylian Mbappé bagged a quick-fire brace after half time, featuring an impudent Panenka penalty.
This is los Merengues' most emphatic victory of the season, having previously beaten Osasuna, Real Oviedo, Mallorca, Real Sociedad and Espanyol. Last time round, Real Madrid endured a trophyless campaign, hence why Carlo Ancelotti was sacked, but they are certainly asserting themselves as early front-runners in La Liga under Alonso. So, can they claim a statement victory on Saturday?
As for Atlético Madrid, this may only be the seventh fixture of the season, but defeat in el Derbi Madrileño could bring to an end their flailing title aspirations already. That's because Digo Simeone's side have endured a nightmare start to this campaign, beaten by Espanyol on the opening weekend, subsequently suffering underwhelming 1-1 draws with Elche, Alavés and most-recently Mallorca.
On Wednesday, los Colchoneros did claim just a second victory of the season, fighting back from 2-1 down to beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 at home, thanks to a pair of late goals from Julián Álvarez, the Argentine striker completing his hat-trick and pinching the points. Atleti are endured their annual identity crisis, only this one is more severe than usual, so are down in ninth place in the table, and defeat in this derby on Saturday would leave them 12 points below the leaders already, possibly an unassailable gap. So, which Madrid giant will pick up three priceless points at the Metropolitano?
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 240.
- Atlético Madrid Wins: 60. Draws: 63. Real Madrid Wins: 117.
Atlético Madrid team news
Diego Simeone is without the injured José María Giménez, Johnny Cardoso, Álex Baena and Thiago Almada, while his team selections continue to be generally very tough to forecast, as he searches for a winning formulae.
Veterans Koke and Antoine Griezmann have forced their way back into the starting lineup in recent weeks, while Simeone deployed a very defensive back five against Rayo Vallecano in mid-week, but surely an extra attacker will return here, with Nico González or the boss' son Giuliano Simeone the most likely candidates.
Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Madrid: (4-3-3): Oblak; Llorente, Hancko, Le Normand, Ruggeri; Koke, Gallagjer, Barrios, González; Griezmann, Álvarez.
Atlético Madrid player to watch vs Real Madrid
Julián Álvarez scored at the Bernabéu in both the Champions League and La Liga last season, one of three career goals he has bagged against Real Madrid. The Argentine striker's hat-trick on Wednesday took his tally to four goals for the season, so could he be the Atleti hero on Saturday?
Real Madrid team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy are all injured, but centre-back Dean Huijsen did return at Levante on Tuesday, having served a one-match suspension last weekend.
Further forward, Franco Mastantuono has been an Alonso favourite form day one, starting five of the last six matches, scoring his first goal for the club in mid-week.
In midfield, fit again Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga have come off the bench for brief cameos in both of the last two matches, so will either play a more prominent role here?
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Atlético Madrid: (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Huijsen, Militão, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Güler, Valverde; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius.
Real Madrid player to watch vs Atlético Madrid
Kylian Mbappé has now scored nine goals in seven appearances already this season, taking his tally to 53 in 66 games for Real Madrid, which isn't bad. The Frenchman was on target during the 1-1 draw with Atleti at the Bernabéu in February, so can he net at the Metropolitano for the first time?
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid prediction
We are backing Real Madrid for victory in the Madrid derby. Atlético Madrid are all over the place at the moment, while los Blancos appear to be a well-drilled, unstoppable machine, hence why we are backing the league leaders to maintain their perfect start: Atlético Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid.
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid FAQs - La Liga
How to watch Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid in La Liga on TV channel?
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid in La Liga will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Premier Sports Player.
- USA: ESPN+ & ESPN Deportes
- Canada: TSN5
How to watch Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid in La Liga on live streaming?
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid in La Liga will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Premier Sports Player.
- USA: ESPN+ & ESPN Deportes
- Canada: TSN+
What is the date and kick-off time for Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid in La Liga?
Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid takes place on Saturday 27 September 2025, with kick off at 15:15 (BST), 10:15 (EDT) & 7:15 (PDT).