The stage is set for one of the most anticipated clashes in world football as Atlético de Madrid hosts arch-rival Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano this Saturday, September 27, 2025. The seventh matchday of LaLiga 2025-26 brings with it the first Madrid derby of the season—a fixture that rarely disappoints and often delivers drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. With both teams arriving at this juncture under contrasting circumstances, fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation.
Real Madrid, under the guidance of new head coach Xabi Alonso, enters the contest as the undisputed leader of LaLiga. The club has enjoyed a flawless start, winning all six matches played so far and boasting an unblemished record. Their dynamic frontline, spearheaded by superstar Kylian Mbappé and the emerging Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono, has been the talk of the league. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid, led by the ever-resilient Diego Simeone, has endured a turbulent opening to the campaign. With just two wins, three draws, and a loss, the Colchoneros find themselves mid-table, searching for consistency and a spark to ignite their season.
The derby kicks off at 11:15 AM in Argentina, 9:15 AM in Peru and Colombia, and 4:15 PM Spanish peninsular time. Fans across the globe will be tuning in via a multitude of broadcasters—DirecTV and DGO in Peru and South America, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video, Movistar+, and LaLiga TV Bar in Spain, Sky Sports in Mexico, and ESPN+ in the United States. For those unable to watch live, updates will be available on MARCA.com and Radio MARCA, ensuring no supporter misses a beat.
On the eve of the clash, Xabi Alonso addressed the media at Real Madrid’s Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas training ground. His message was clear and direct: “We’ve had a perfect run but some matches have been tough. We must not get overconfident or think that just by stepping onto the field with this badge or this squad we’re guaranteed victory,” Alonso stated, urging his players to maintain focus and humility. “We need to be consistent in our performance... you can’t relax, or a lapse can cost you,” he added, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of derby matches. The coach also highlighted the importance of tactical flexibility, noting, “I think we’re doing a lot of things well, but we must keep believing that’s the right path. We have to try to be more flexible, more unpredictable.”
Alonso’s tenure has been marked by innovation and rotation. In just seven matches, he’s deployed 16 different outfield players and experimented with three distinct tactical schemes. The only constant has been Thibaut Courtois, the ever-reliable Belgian goalkeeper, who remains the undisputed starter between the posts. The most recent outing saw Real Madrid dismantle Levante away, with Vinicius Junior scoring a sensational goal—his response to a recent dip in form and a disappointing finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Once untouchable under Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius now finds himself sharing the spotlight with Mbappé, but his ability to rise to the occasion remains undiminished.
The likely starting lineup for Real Madrid features Courtois in goal; a defensive line of Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, and Carreras; a midfield trio of Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Güler; and an attacking trident of Mastantuono, Vinicius, and Mbappé. This blend of youth and experience, coupled with Alonso’s willingness to adapt, has made Los Blancos a formidable force in the early stages of the season.
Across the city, Atlético Madrid is determined to turn the tide. Their most recent match ended in dramatic fashion, as they clinched a last-minute victory over Rayo Vallecano. Yet, inconsistency has plagued Simeone’s side, particularly in defense. The Argentine coach is expected to shuffle his lineup in search of greater balance. The probable eleven includes Oblak in goal; defenders Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, and Galán; midfielders Simeone, Koke, Barrios, and González; and forwards Julián Álvarez—fresh off a hat-trick and widely tipped as the man to watch—and Sorloth. Notably, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, and José María Giménez are unavailable for selection due to injury.
The last time these two giants met was on March 12, 2025, in the Champions League round of 16 at the Metropolitano. Atlético took an early lead through Conor Gallagher, but Real Madrid ultimately triumphed in a penalty shootout, with Julián Álvarez’s controversial spot-kick sealing their passage to the next round. The memory of that night lingers, adding an extra layer of tension to an already charged encounter.
With a capacity crowd of 70,460 expected at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Atlético’s supporters will be hoping their team can capitalize on home advantage and halt Real Madrid’s winning streak. Simeone’s men are eager to “change the dynamic and confirm that they’re ready to climb back up the league table,” as local pundits have observed. The pressure is on, but as history has shown, form often counts for little when the Madrid derby rolls around.
Referee Javier Alberola Rojas will take charge of the fixture for the third time, having previously overseen a derby win for each side in recent years. His performance will no doubt be scrutinized, especially given the high stakes and the passionate nature of both sets of fans.
As kickoff approaches, questions abound: Can Real Madrid extend their perfect start and solidify their grip on the league? Will Atlético find the inspiration needed to upset their rivals and reignite their campaign? Or will the derby produce the kind of unexpected twist that has become its trademark?
One thing is certain—the eyes of the footballing world will be fixed on Madrid this Saturday. With so much talent on display, tactical intrigue on both benches, and the weight of city pride at stake, this clash promises to deliver fireworks. As the whistle blows at the Metropolitano, all bets are off and the city holds its breath. The action is about to begin, and anything can happen in the Madrid derby.
