Predicted XIs Atletico Madrid-Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso eyes defensive changes | OneFootball

Real Madrid head across the Spanish capital later today as Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid.

A 16:15 local time KO pits the two foes against each other at the Estado Metropolitano as Los Blancos aim to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Alonso’s charges secured a 4-1 midweek win away Levante and they remain top of the La Liga rankings with six wins from six games so far.

Atletico Madrid’s start to the 2025/26 campaign has been less impressive with a 3-2 comeback home win over Rayo Vallecano just their second of the season.

With such a a short turnaround in between games, both Alonso and Diego Simeone will be forced to rotate, with defence the focus for the former.

As per Diario AS, club captain Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will come in, as the visitors revert to a back four.

Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio will drop out of the starting XI with Aurelien Tchouameni on hand to come in for Dani Ceballos.

Alonso s not expected to risk Jude Bellingham from the start with the England international remaining on the bench.

Simeone is also expected to change both shape and personnel with wing back duo Nahuel Molna and Javi Galan dropped, a back four reinstated, and Giuliano Simeone and Nico Gonzalez brought into the wide midfield spots.

Clement Lenglet for Conor Gallagher is the other rumoured change and Simeone will make a late call on starting Antoine Griezmann – who played 80 minutes vs. Rayo.

Despite their current form struggles, Simeone has a solid recent record in derbies, with the Argentinian coach drawing both La Liga meetings 1-1 last season.

The hosts won 1-0 in their UEFA Champions League clash in March, but lost on penalties, and they have lost just one of the last six league derbies played at the Estado Metropolitano.