Atlético Madrid Team News & Expected Lineup vs. Real Madrid
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La Liga is set to host the first Madrid derby of the season on Saturday, September 27th, wiht Atlético Madrid welcoming Real Madrid to the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:15pm CEST (10:15am ET).Atleti will be aiming to extend their four-game unbeaten run in Madrid derbies at their home stadium,a streak that includes a recent 1-0 Champions league victory (followed by a penalty shoot-out defeat on aggregate).
While Real Madrid currently boasts seven consecutive wins to start the La Liga season,Atlético has experienced a more challenging start to the 2025/26 campaign,securing only two wins from seven matches,leaving them eighth in the table. Their latest victory came on Wednesday with a 3-2 comeback win against Rayo Vallecano, fueled by a hat-trick from Julián Álvarez.
Coach Diego Simeone faces several considerations regarding team selection ahead of the derby, though the injury situation appears to be improving.
Injury Updates & Returnees
Midfielder Álex Baena has returned to action following an operation for appendicitis and could feature, though a starting role is unlikely. This would mark only his second appearance of the season after starting the opening game against Espanyol.
USMNT player Johnny Cardoso is also nearing a return, having rejoined partial training after suffering a sprained ankle last week and could come into contention for a spot in the squad.
forward Alexander Sørloth is available for selection after serving a suspension in midweek due to a sending-off against Real Mallorca.
Though,defender José María Giménez remains sidelined,having not participated in full training as the Club World Cup. Midfielder Thiago Almada is also not expected to return to the team at this time.
atlético Madrid Expected Lineup vs. Real Madrid
the anticipated Atlético Madrid lineup for the derby is as follows: Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, clement Lenglet, David Hancko; Giuliano Simeone, koke, Pablo Barrios, Nico González; Julián Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann.
Simeone is expected to rely on experienced players in key positions, particularly in the spine of the team, with Antoine Griezmann and Koke set to start.
The fitness levels of Álex Baena and Johnny Cardoso will be crucial, as their recoveries could lead to unexpected inclusions in the starting eleven.
In defense, David Hancko is favored at left-back to provide greater defensive stability compared to matteo Ruggeri and Javi Galán.
Alexander Sørloth will likely be a valuable option from the bench, despite having scored only one goal in the first eight games of the season. Conor Gallagher is also expected to be available as a substitute, offering energy and intensity.
