Real Madrid will lock horns with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano this Sunday as they look to secure a win in the Madrid derby. Los Blancos earned a narrow 3-2 win away at Elche recently, so they would be keen on keeping their good form going in the league.
Jose Mourinho will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make some tweaks to his starting XI for this clash. Denzel Dumfries and Jude Bellingham could play from the start of this game.
Thibaut Courtois will function in between the sticks for Real Madrid after conceding two goals in his last outing. Ibrahima Konate will play alongside Dean Huijsen at the centre of Mourinho's defence as they look to keep a solid shape when defending inside his half.
Denzel Dumfries will try to prove his value as the right-back, while Marc Cucurella looks to impress on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will have to perform their defensive duties well before trying to offer support to their teammates up top.
Antonio Rudiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
ELCHE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 15: Arda Guler of Real Madrid CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Elche CF and Real Madrid at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on September 15, 2026 in Elche, Spain. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will anchor the midfield for Real Madrid as they look to win the 50-50 battles at the centre of the park and engineer some decent chances in the final third.
The gifted trio of Vinicius Junior , Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler will play just ahead of them as part of the Real Madrid attack. All three of them need to be at their best if Real Madrid are to secure a victory in this Madrid derby.
Bernardo Silva and Brahim Diaz will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the second half if required.
Kylian Mbappe will spearhead Mourinho's attack up top. He would be eager to get his name on the scoresheet after doing so against Elche earlier this week.
Carlos Espi will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the final quarter if needed.
