Atletico Madrid will face their rivals Real Madrid this Saturday in an essential match for both teams that might influence the direction of their current season.
The team, managed by Diego Simeone, has experienced a rough start, achieving only two victories in their first six matches, accompanied by one loss and three draws. In contrast, Xabi Alonso has guided Real Madrid to a perfect beginning, winning all six games and allowing just three goals, along with a Champions League victory over Olympique Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu.
How to Watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid, Odds
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 27
- Time: 10:15 a.m. ET
- Location: Riyadh Air Metropolitano - Madrid
- Live Stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Atletico Madrid +194; Draw +249; Real Madrid +133
What This Match Means for Simeone’s Future
Following a disappointing opening to the 2025-26 season, questions about Simeone’s future have surfaced. Since joining the club in 2011, he has built a legendary status, securing two La Liga titles despite the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Yet, with a contract extending until summer 2027 and a recent change in club hierarchy after Andrea Berta departed for Arsenal, uncertainty surrounds his future. While one match likely won’t change short-term plans, a negative season could prompt the club to seek a new manager come summer 2026.
What Real Madrid Is Saying
Real Madrid’s head coach Xabi Alonso commented on the derby, stating: “It’s a great atmosphere; derbies are special. The energy ahead of the match is palpable,” he advised the team to remain focused and to prepare for a tough game despite current standings.
Possible Lineups
Atletico Madrid XI: Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, David Hancko; Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Pablo Barrios, Nico Gonzalez; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Real Madrid XI: Thibaut Courtois; Raul Asencio, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni; Franco Mastantuono, Arda Guler, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe.
