Real Madrid travel across the capital to face fierce rivals Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, with both clubs desperate to consolidate their positions in the La Liga title race before the international break.

Form heading into the derby

Atlético enter the fixture in strong form. Diego Simeone's side opened the season with a 2-0 home win over Málaga before drawing 2-2 with Villarreal and then beating Sevilla 3-1 on the road. Consecutive defeats against Athletic Club and Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League disrupted their rhythm, but Los Rojiblancos have since stormed back with commanding 3-0 and 4-0 victories over Real Sociedad and Osasuna respectively.

A win on Sunday would be enough to lift Atlético above their city rivals in the La Liga standings — a significant statement heading into the break.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have been equally impressive. José Mourinho's men won their opening three matches before a narrow 1-0 loss at Real Betis briefly interrupted their momentum. They have not looked back since, defeating Inter Milan 2-1 in the Champions League and recording league wins over Rayo Vallecano and Elche, 4-1 and 3-2 respectively. Barcelona currently lead La Liga after a flawless start, and Real Madrid will be eager to apply pressure from second place.

Head-to-head record

The two clubs have met 243 times in total, and Real Madrid hold the historical upper hand with 125 victories to Atlético's 60, with 58 draws in between. However, Atlético's most memorable recent result stands out sharply — a stunning 5-2 home win during the current 2025/26 campaign in which Julián Álvarez scored twice and Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth, and Antoine Griezmann also found the net. Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler replied for Real Madrid, but to no avail.

That result aside, Atlético have won just one of their last eight meetings with Real Madrid, underlining the scale of the challenge Simeone's side faces on Sunday.

Players to watch

Alex Baena has emerged as Atlético's most dangerous creative force this season after returning from the FIFA World Cup with Spain. The 26-year-old has already contributed four goals and an assist, with his ability to operate in half-spaces and deliver incisive final balls making him a persistent threat.

Giuliano Simeone offers something different — relentless energy, pressing, and direct runs into the box. The 23-year-old has started every match for Atlético this season, racking up two goals and two assists.

For Real Madrid, Mbappé arrives at the Metropolitano in devastating form. The France international has scored eight goals and registered two assists in just seven appearances this season, and he enters the derby off the back of a 2025/26 campaign in which he claimed the La Liga, Champions League, and World Cup Golden Boots.

Jude Bellingham continues to drive Real Madrid's attacking play from midfield, contributing three goals and three assists. His physicality, technical range, and intelligent movement make him a constant problem for opposing defences.

Team news

Atlético will assess Julián Álvarez, Pablo Barrios, and Sørloth ahead of kick-off, with all three managing muscle concerns. Jonathan David is expected to keep his place after scoring in the win over Osasuna, and Lee Kang-in and Baena are both set to start.

Real Madrid travel without Eder Militão, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy due to injury. Denzel Dumfries is likely to deputise at right-back in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Bellingham is set to return to the starting XI. Mourinho could select a midfield axis of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, though Bernardo Silva is pushing for inclusion. Vinícius Júnior, who has managed just one goal this term, retains his place in the attack.

Possible starting lineups

Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Romero, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Lee, Koke, Cardoso, Baena; Lookman, David

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Diomandé, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé