Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Atletico Madrid – first start for key player | OneFootball

In a little over an hour, Real Madrid will lock horns with neighbours Atletico Madrid in the first derby of the 2025/26 season.

It will be the toughest test of the season so far for Xabi Alonso’s side as they take on Diego Simeone’s side at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Ahead of kickoff, the manager has announced the Real Madrid starting lineup that will take the field, with one big change made.

Jude Bellingham, having made his comeback from injury a week ago, starts his first game of the season in midfield.

The Englishman comes into the team at the expense of Franco Mastantuono, with Arda Guler keeping his place in the side.

Aurelien Tchouameni returns to the lineup after being rested vs Levante in midweek, with Federico Valverde occupying the third position in the centre of the park.

As for the defence, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are back in the lineup, after rest, with Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia dropping out. Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras will play their first-ever Madrid derbies.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. continue in attack while Thibaut Courtois retains his place in goal.