Pitarch, Mbappe start in a 4-4-2 – How Real Madrid can line up against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Few fixtures in world football carry the intensity and weight of the Madrid derby, and Sunday evening promises to deliver another chapter of pure drama at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

With the La Liga title race heating up, it is a defining moment in Real Madrid’s season.

Currently sitting second in the table, Los Blancos are chasing Barcelona at the top, trailing by four points. 

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are third and nine points behind their city rivals, making this clash equally crucial for Diego Simeone’s side. 

For Real Madrid, though, this is about pride, response, and control after that humiliating 2-5 defeat earlier in the season under Xabi Alonso.

Now under Alvaro Arbeloa, the team has shown optimism, as their home form has been particularly impressive. 

Winning 12 of 14 matches at the Bernabeu, Madrid have turned their stadium into a fortress and they will need every bit of that advantage against a dangerous Atletico side.

Defence

All eyes will be on Andriy Lunin. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The biggest talking point in defence heading into this derby is the absence of Thibaut Courtois. With the Belgian ruled out for over a month, the spotlight now shifts firmly onto Andriy Lunin.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper has already shown he can rise to big occasions. His performance in the Champions League win over Manchester City was decisive. 

Now, he faces an even bigger test in a high-pressure derby where every mistake can prove costly.

In front of him, Real Madrid appear to have found some stability. Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen have built a growing understanding in recent weeks, stepping up in the absence of Raul Asensio. 

While Asensio is expected to return to the squad, it would not be a surprise if Arbeloa sticks with the current pairing, given their recent performances.

At full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold continues on the right, offering creativity and attacking thrust, while Alvaro Carreras is set to return on the left after recovering from injury. 

Midfield

Thiago Pitarch will retain his spot. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In midfield, continuity seems to be the preferred approach. Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni remain the backbone of the team, combining physical presence with tactical intelligence. 

Alongside them, Thiago Pitarch’s rise has been one of the most intriguing developments of the season.

The young midfielder has earned Arbeloa’s trust, particularly after being relied upon in both legs against Manchester City. 

This derby could mark his sixth consecutive start, and notably, his first taste of the Madrid derby atmosphere. 

Lastly, Arda Guler is expected to complete the midfield setup, adding creativity and technical quality. 

However, there is a looming selection headache. With Jude Bellingham returning to full fitness, Arbeloa will soon face a difficult decision.

Attack

Mbappe will also return. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The biggest boost for Real Madrid comes in attack, where Kylian Mbappe is set to return to the starting lineup. 

After recovering from a knee sprain, the French superstar has already made a brief comeback appearance and now looks ready to take centre stage once again.

His return could not have come at a better time. Partnering Vinicius Jr., Mbappe adds a level of unpredictability and direct threat that few defences can handle. 

The chemistry between the two forwards will be crucial, especially against an Atletico side known for their defensive organisation.