won 75 of 248 settled GS picks · +76.7u profit · this pick: Jude Bellingham to score @ 3.60 · 2 units
⚡ Why this pick
Atletico beat Real Sociedad 3-0 in their latest match.
Real Madrid beat Elche 3-2 and Rayo Vallecano 4-1.
Bellingham is expected to start for Real Madrid.
Vinic
Nova's recent picks in this market
09-20Hannover 96-BochumLars Gindorf to score@ 2.55✕
09-20Bayer Leverkusen-RB LeipzigChristian Kofane to score@ 2.38–
09-20Manchester City-SunderlandErling Haaland to score@ 1.69✓
09-20AFC Bournemouth-LiverpoolAlexander Isak to score@ 2.40✓
09-20Instituto-TalleresValentin Depietri to score@ 5.50–
Atletico Madrid
4-4-2
● Confirmed
15
⚽↓62′
David
7
↓89′
Lee
22
⚽
Grimaldo
5
Cardoso
10
↓67′
Baena
20
Simeone
17
Hancko
21
↓89′
Romero
18
↓46′
Pubill
14
Llorente
13
Oblak
Bench (13)
Koke ↑46′ · Julian Alvarez ↑62′ · Ademola Lookman ↑67′ · Morten Hjulmand ↑89′ · Robin Le Normand ↑89′ · Juan Musso · Obed Vargas · Rodrigo Mendoza · Arnau Ortiz · Jorge Dominguez · Jorge Castillo · Alexander Soerloth · Pablo Barrios
Coach · Diego Simeone
Match Preview
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-09-18 14:35 UTC
Madrid derby intensity returns to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid arrive at this seventh round of LaLiga fixtures following contrasting recent trajectories in their domestic campaigns. While Atletico have found a ruthless rhythm in their last two outings, Real Madrid continue to navigate a busy schedule with a blend of high-scoring performances and narrow escapes.
Atletico Madrid's surge in momentum
After a difficult start to September, Atletico Madrid have rediscovered their clinical edge. A commanding 4-0 victory over Osasuna followed a polished 3-0 win at Real Sociedad, marking a significant turnaround in defensive and attacking cohesion. This resurgence suggests the squad is settling into a rhythm just in time for the visit of their city rivals.
Real Madrid's high-scoring pursuit
Real Madrid enter this matchday maintaining a consistent attacking output, highlighted by a recent 3-2 victory against Elche and a 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. Despite a solitary slip-up against Real Betis earlier this month, the side remains a formidable force. Their ability to find the net regularly has kept them firmly in the mix at the top of the table.
Team news and expected lineups
Both sides face significant personnel concerns heading into this high-stakes encounter. Real Madrid will be without the prolific Kylian Mbappe due to injury, a major blow to their offensive plans, while Atletico Madrid must contend with the absence of Pablo Barrios in the middle of the park.
In terms of the expected XI, Atletico Madrid are likely to lean on the creativity of Alejandro Baena and the forward pairing of Jonathan David and Giuliano Simeone. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are expected to look to Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to lead the line in the absence of their star striker, supported by a robust midfield unit featuring Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Historical echoes in the capital
Meetings between these two clubs have rarely been dull, with their recent history defined by high-scoring affairs and dramatic shifts in fortune. The most recent league clash in March 2026 saw Real Madrid edge a 3-2 thriller, while earlier in the 2025/26 season, Atletico secured a memorable 5-2 victory in this same competition. These results underscore the unpredictable nature of the derby, where form often gives way to raw intensity.
The tactical battle at the Metropolitano
As the teams prepare to face off on Sunday, the tactical focus will be on how each side manages the midfield space. Atletico’s tendency to strike late—a hallmark of their recent matches—will be tested against a Real Madrid side that has shown deep reserves of resilience. With both teams looking to assert dominance in the early stages of the season, this match promises a tactical chess match played at a frenetic pace.
