Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

The rivalry between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid has been one of the ages in recent memory. These two teams have fought for league titles and have even met in UEFA Champions League finals, often delivering epic moments that have elevated players to icon status. However, things couldn’t be more opposite ahead of this clash.

That’s because Atletico Madrid are going through a disastrous season, while Real Madrid are looking unstoppable under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso. The numbers are telling in this case, and after six rounds, Los Blancos already have twice as many points as their city rivals. Will Atletico pull the upset here, or will Real Madrid inflict another wound to Diego Simeone’s men?

What’s Going on with Atletico Madrid?

It’s hard to decipher what’s happening with Atletico Madrid this season. They retained most of the core from the 2024-25 campaign, and if anything, they strengthened their team by making solid signings during the summer transfer window. However, that hasn’t translated to positive results, and Los Colchoneros have won just two of their six matches so far in LaLiga campaign (W2, D3, L1).

The 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in midweek should be a confidence booster, and Atletico Madrid are now undefeated in their last five league matches (W2, D3). However, their characteristically stout defense just isn’t there this season, as they have kept just one clean sheet in six matches, and they’ve left points on the table against lesser rivals. The record might not be as bad as it sounds, but their play has been underwhelming. They haven’t shown enough to believe they can be a threat against a superior side such as Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid Injury & Suspension News

Atletico Madrid should be close to full strength ahead of this match. The lone notable absence will be Jose Maria Gimenez, as the Uruguay center-back is back in training but won’t be available for this clash. Alexander Sorloth is back from suspension and will be eligible.

Can Anyone Stop Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso?

If things are complicated at the Wanda Metropolitano, then it’s safe to say that it’s all smiles and fun at Valdebebas. Real Madrid extended their perfect start to the 2025-26 season with a 4-1 win over Levante in the midweek round, and they’re leading the standings by being the only team with a perfect record through six rounds. They also boast the second-best attack (GS: 14), the best defence (GC: 3), and the top scorer in Kylian Mbappe (seven goals).

Los Merengues also debuted with a win in the UEFA Champions League, meaning Xabi Alonso has won each of his first seven competitive matches at the helm of the Santiago Bernabeu outfit. At this rate, the team looks nearly unstoppable, and it shouldn’t be a stretch to see them as overwhelming favorites for this derby. Atletico don’t have the weapons to slow them down.

Real Madrid Injury & Suspension News

Real Madrid will be a bit shorthanded on defense due to the absence Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rudiger, both due to injuries. No other player will be sidelined for this contest. Dani Carvajal is suspended in the UEFA Champions League, but he’ll be available for this contest and should start at right-back.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Prediction

Derbies tend to be back-and-forth matches, but it’s hard to imagine this game being like that considering the way both teams have played so far in 2025-26. Despite playing away from home, look for Real Madrid to dominate possession early and often, as their intensity in the final third will be too much to handle for Atletico’s struggling defensive line.

With Kylian Mbappe playing at a world-class level, and considering all the defensive problems Atletico have faced throughout the campaign, this is likely to be a one-sided derby. Real Madrid should win this game and push their city rivals to a new low as Simeone’s managerial seat gets warmer and warmer with each passing game.

CryptoGamba tip: Real Madrid to win – 2.28 @ Stake