The Madrid derby is back this Saturday, 27 September 2025, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and it already feels like a season-defining clash. Real Madrid are cruising, six wins from six in La Liga, Putting four goals past Levante thanks to kylian Mbappe Brace , while Atletico Madrid are still finding their rhythm with just two victories. The nine-point gap between both sides after only six rounds tells its own story, but derbies rarely follow the script.
Softfootball reports that RealMadridss boss Xabi Alonso has hit the ground running, his team scoring freely almost three goals per match away from home in recent weeks. Diego Simeone, on the other hand, has been forced to rely on moments of grit and resilience. His side fought back to beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 in midweek , thanks to a hat-trick from Julian alvarez, and that comeback might be the spark they desperately needed before facing their fiercest rivals.
Team NewsAtletico Madrid are still sweating on the fitness of Thiago Almada, who has missed four consecutive games with injury. Simeone may again turn to alvarez, with the Argentine hailing his compatriot as the best player in his team , as he is expected to start as the focal point in attack, with support expected from Griezmann and Llorente.