News
MAR 17.03.2026
This Sunday, starting at 21:00 CET, ELDERBI DE MADRID kicks off at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. It is one of the most thrilling matchups of the season, where both teams seek a massive morale boost heading into the final stretch of the campaign. Both managers will field their most fit players after several intense weeks of competition. Álvaro Arbeloa and Diego Pablo Simeone will look to assemble the strongest possible starting XIs for Real Madrid and Atlético, respectively.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup against Atlético de Madrid
Álvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid enters the clash trailing the league leaders by 4 points. The Merengues need a victory to stay in the hunt and keep their title hopes alive. The Whites are focused on winning to remain top contenders in LALIGA EA SPORTS.
The Madridista coach will definitely be without Rodrygo, who is out for the remainder of the season, and Ceballos, who is not expected back until April. Additionally, several players are dealing with niggles or are in the final stages of recovery. Players like Carreras, Militao, Asencio, Bellingham, and Mbappé could feature, though their presence is still not fully confirmed. It seems certain that the Englishman and the Frenchman will be at Arbeloa’s disposal. Conversely, it appears too early for Militao to reappear, especially in such a high-intensity duel. Mastantuono will be available after serving his suspension. And the latest setback comes with Courtois, sidelined after picking up an injury in the Champions League.
Therefore, the Real Madrid starting XI could consist of Lunin in goal, with Carvajal, Rüdiger, Huijsen, and Carreras in defense. The midfield would feature Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga, with the main doubt being between Pitarch or the return of Bellingham. The offensive references will be Mbappé and Vinícius.
Atlético de Madrid Predicted Lineup against Real Madrid
Atlético de Madrid, meanwhile, looks to consolidate their third-place spot in the league while keeping an eye on knockout competitions. A strong performance against their eternal rivals would bolster their morale ahead of the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League quarterfinals.
Simeone has doubts regarding Jan Oblak, Pablo Barrios, and Rodrigo Mendoza. The absence of the Slovenian goalkeeper would normally be a major blow, but Musso’s excellent season provides security for the Colchoneros.
Thus, the most likely Atlético lineup would be formed by Nahuel Molina, Pubill, Hancko, and Ruggeri in defense, with Marcos Llorente and Koke in the double pivot. On the wings, Giuliano (a guaranteed starter) and either Lookman or Nico González will feature. There are some doubts regarding the forwards, but Griezmann’s great form gives him the edge over Sorloth to partner Julián Álvarez.
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