Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Lineups: Injuries & Where to Watch

There’s an extra edge to this Madrid derby. Real Madrid arrived with a growing injury list while Atletico saw a chance to shift the balance, and we break down the starting XIs, key absentees, where to watch, and how injury and transfer news shaped the lineups for this March 22, 2026 showdown.

Match Date: March 22, 2026 ·
Result: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid ·
Venue: Estadio Metropolitano ·
Real Madrid Goalkeeper: Lunin ·
Atletico Madrid Goalkeeper: Musso ·
Key Absentee: Rodrygo (ACL injury)

Six facts that frame the derby, from formations to attendance, tell one story: both teams improvised due to injuries, but Atletico found the breakthrough.

What is the starting XI of Real Madrid?

Goalkeeper and defense

Andriy Lunin started in goal, his first start since the Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete, as Thibaut Courtois was sidelined with a muscular thigh injury sustained against Manchester City (Sports Illustrated — football coverage). The back four, confirmed by Real Madrid’s official site, was Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, and Fran García (Real Madrid official site).

Midfield lineup

The midfield trio consisted of Federico Valverde, Thiago Alcântara, and Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid official site). Notably, Jude Bellingham had only partially rejoined group training after more than a month sidelined and was not risked from the start (beIN Sports — football coverage).

Forward lineup

Kylian Mbappé returned from injury to start alongside Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior (Sports Illustrated — football coverage). Rodrygo’s absence due to an ACL tear (ESPN — sports news outlet) forced Real Madrid to lean heavily on Vinícius and Mbappé as primary attackers, a shift that changed the team’s attacking dynamic.

The implication: Real Madrid’s makeshift lineup created vulnerabilities that Atletico could exploit.

What is the starting XI of Atletico Madrid?

Goalkeeper and defense

Juan Musso replaced the rested Jan Oblak in goal. The back four, per Atletico’s official lineup, was Nahuel Ruggeri, Dávid Hancko, Robin Le Normand, and Marcos Cardoso (Tribuna.com — sports aggregator).

Midfield and forwards

Koke and Marcos Llorente anchored the midfield, while the forward line featured Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Ademola Lookman (Tribuna.com — sports aggregator). Griezmann and Simeone led the attack, with Álvarez and Lookman providing width and pace.

The implication: Atletico fielded a four-man attack that gave Real Madrid’s makeshift defense constant problems, leading to the decisive goal.

Where can I watch the Madrid derby?

Broadcast options in Mexico

In Mexico, the derby was available on DAZN MX (DAZN MX — streaming service).

Streaming services

Viewers in Ireland could watch via DAZN IE (DAZN IE — streaming service). LALIGA’s official website listed additional global broadcasters (LALIGA — competition organizer).

International channels

For other regions, LALIGA maintains an up-to-date broadcast guide on its official site (LALIGA — competition organizer). Many territories also carried the match through traditional sports networks syndicating LALIGA rights.

The pattern: DAZN’s growing presence in key markets simplifies access for fans, but regional variation remains.

Why is Rodrygo not playing?

Injury details

Rodrygo suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that ended his 2025-26 season prematurely (ESPN — sports news outlet).

Recovery timeline

The injury also ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, marking a devastating blow for both club and country (ESPN — sports news outlet).

Impact on Real Madrid lineup

Without Rodrygo, Real Madrid relied entirely on Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé as their primary attacking threats, leaving the bench thin. That lack of depth became apparent as the derby progressed and Atletico’s defense tightened, per analysis from multiple reports.

The catch: Rodrygo’s ACL tear not only cost Real Madrid a key forward but also forced a tactical rethink that left them predictable in attack during the derby.

Has Atletico ever beaten Real Madrid?

Overall head-to-head record

Yes, Atletico has beaten Real Madrid multiple times. The overall head-to-head favors Real Madrid, but Atletico has registered significant victories, including a 1-0 win in the 2026 La Liga derby (Real Madrid official site; Tribuna.com — sports aggregator).

Recent derby results

Atletico’s 2026 win added to a growing list of recent successes in the fixture. The club also won the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid in 2013 and has consistently competed in tight derbies in the 2020s (Wikipedia — Madrid Derby page).

Notable victories

Beyond the 2026 derby, Atletico’s famous Copa del Rey triumph in 2013 remains a highlight. European meetings have also produced Atletico wins, including the 2014 Supercopa de España (Wikipedia — Madrid Derby page).

Why this matters: Atletico’s ability to beat Real Madrid, especially in high-stakes matches, proves that the derby is no longer a one-sided affair — a pattern that influences both teams’ tactical preparation.

Timeline: Key events around the derby

• July 10, 2018 — Real Madrid announced Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus (Wikipedia — Ronaldo transfer page).
• 2025-26 season — Rodrygo suffers ACL injury, ruled out for season (ESPN — sports news outlet).
• March 2026 — Alexander-Arnold transfer rumors intensify; expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer (Wikipedia — Alexander-Arnold page).
• March 22, 2026 — La Liga derby: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (Real Madrid official site).

The pattern: each event — from Ronaldo’s exit to Rodrygo’s injury — reshaped the clubs’ roster strategies.

Related: Angel dos Santos Aveiro: Ronaldo’s Son and Football Prospect | Liga MX Femenil Standings – Clausura 2025/26

Rodrygo suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup.

ESPN — sports news outlet

The derby broadcast was listed on LALIGA’s website with specific global channels.

LALIGA — competition organizer

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool expires in 2025, and rumors link him to Real Madrid.

Wikipedia — Alexander-Arnold page

The derby result shifts the power dynamic in Madrid — a point Atletico can build on as they push for a top-four finish. For Real Madrid, the injury crisis exposed a fragile squad depth that will need reinforcements. The implications are clear: Real Madrid must address their injury vulnerabilities in the next transfer window, or risk falling further behind in the title race.

For more details on the starting XIs and team news from that thrilling derby, check out the confirmed Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid lineups.

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