Atletico Madrid Vs Real madrid: Player Ratings (Corrupt Referring, two clear red cards not given )

LaLiga 2026/27  ·  Matchday 7  ·  Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

Atlético Madrid 2 — 1 Real Madrid

Sunday, 20 September 2026  ·  Att: 69,348  ·  Ref: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

Grimaldo 53' (pen) Jonathan David 59' Rüdiger 89' (header)

🟥 Dean Huijsen sent off (52', RED CARD) — Last-man tackle on Jonathan David. Real Madrid played 38 minutes with 10 men. Penalty conceded, Grimaldo scored.

0–0

Half Time

54%

Possession (ATM)

12

Shots (RM)

1.2

xG (RM)

6-0-2

Season W-D-L

The Madrid derby delivered drama, controversy, and heartbreak in equal measure — and left José Mourinho with printouts in his hand, fire in his eyes, and more than a few legitimate grievances about the refereeing. In a first half of genuine quality where Real Madrid controlled proceedings without creating the big moments to show for it, Dean Huijsen's straight red card on 52 minutes changed everything. From that point, the match belonged to Atlético.

The first half was a cagey, well-organised affair. Real Madrid, operating with their now-familiar 4-2-3-1 and a genuinely competitive double pivot of Tchouaméni and Valverde, were the better side in spells — Bellingham and Güler probing, Mbappé running channels and Vinícius giving Pubill an uncomfortable afternoon. Atlético's high defensive line and aggressive wing-backs kept things compact, and Jan Oblak was barely tested. The goalless first half felt like a precursor to something significant, and it was.

Within seven minutes of the restart the tie had completely shifted. Huijsen, last man, made the kind of rash sliding tackle that referees have very little choice about at that level of the game. Grimaldo, Atlético's composed summer signing from Leverkusen, sent Courtois the wrong way from the spot. Six minutes later Jonathan David — who has been extraordinary in his first season in Spain — controlled a long ball, spun away from Konaté and finished with the assurance of a man who has scored at every level he has played. Real Madrid, a man down, were two goals behind with half an hour remaining.

Mourinho reacted immediately, withdrawing Güler and Vinícius for Rüdiger and Diomande at the 54-minute mark — a decision that reshaped the defensive shape and pushed Rüdiger forward as an aerial option for late set-pieces. Camavinga replaced Tchouaméni at 71 minutes; Bernardo Silva replaced Bellingham at 82 minutes. The subs added freshness and intent, and it was a header from Rüdiger — introduced as a centre-back but used as an attacking weapon in the 89th minute — that pulled one back and gave Madrid a lifeline that ultimately arrived one goal too late.

Mourinho Post-Match

"We could have saved ourselves the press conference because the story of the match is here." [holds up printed photos of two unpunished Atlético fouls on Valverde and Bellingham] "They are two clear red cards." José Mourinho, Post-Match Press Conference — presented photo evidence to journalists

"We can imagine the difficulties we would have had playing 11 against 10 — so imagine 50 minutes playing 11 against nine. I can only hug my players, who gave everything. We played a first half of great class and personality, and we could perfectly have won in the second half." José Mourinho

"The one who should be happy, apart from the Atlético people, is the Refereeing Appointments Committee. Everything has been very strange. The referee is 41 years old, he isn't international, and it won't be because he's a great referee. The poor guy came here and couldn't handle the pressure." José Mourinho — on referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

"I wanted to understand the decision. Atlético had a similar situation and escaped a red, but Real Madrid didn't. I'm not saying the referee decided the game. I'm asking for consistency." José Mourinho

Player Ratings

All players rated on their individual contribution given the context of the game — including the 38 minutes played with 10 men. Where FotMob and WhoScored ratings are available post-match, they are cross-referenced.

🧤 Goalkeeper

6.8

#1

Thibaut Courtois

Went the right way for the Grimaldo penalty but could not keep it out — which tells you more about the quality of the kick than the quality of the dive. Made two important saves in the second half as Atlético looked to put the game out of sight, denying Kang-In Lee and a sharp Julián Álvarez header. His distribution and organisation of a backline reduced to four for long stretches of the half was composed and professional. A decent performance in difficult circumstances that was not his night to shine.

FotMob: 6.7 · WhoScored: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.8

🛡️ Defenders

5.0

#24

Denzel Dumfries 🟨 50'

A difficult afternoon that ended in the defining moment before his own dismissal. Dumfries was caught out defensively by Giuliano Simeone on multiple occasions in the first half, conceding Atlético's best crossing positions from the left channel. The yellow card in the 50th minute, two minutes before Huijsen's red, was unnecessary and added to the pressure building on the right side. He was ultimately not the worst performer on the day but carried his own share of responsibility for the defensive fragility before the red.

FotMob: 5.1 · WhoScored: 5.2 · Our Rating: 5.0

3.5

#4

Dean Huijsen 🟥 52'

The performance that will be analysed, debated and replayed for weeks. Huijsen was fine in the first half — organised, vocal, winning his battles against David. Then came the moment. Catching out of position, he made a rash, last-man sliding tackle on Jonathan David inside the box after Atlético played a ball over the defensive line. The red card was correct by the letter of the law even if the Mourinho camp has legitimate anger about two unpunished Atlético fouls that preceded it. The red card conceded a penalty, ended the contest as a contest, and left his manager with thirty-eight impossible minutes to manage. A 20-year-old will have many such moments; the hope is that this one becomes a lesson that is not forgotten.

FotMob: 3.2 · WhoScored: 3.5 · Our Rating: 3.5

6.5

#16

Ibrahima Konaté

In any other context this would have been considered a solid performance. Konaté won his first-half duels with David, commanded the aerial game and was comfortable in possession. He was caught by David's movement for the second goal — a spin inside that the Canadian has perfected at club level — but it was the kind of brilliance that many centre-backs would have struggled with. Kept his composure throughout the second half as Madrid played with ten men, which deserves credit. Not at fault for either goal in the systemic sense.

FotMob: 6.4 · WhoScored: 6.3 · Our Rating: 6.5

5.5

#17

Marc Cucurella

Struggled against Atlético's intensity on his flank. Kang-In Lee and Grimaldo combined to make his afternoon uncomfortable from early on and he was unable to offer the offensive outlet that Mourinho wanted from the left back position. Worked hard defensively with ten men and made a crucial recovery tackle in the 74th minute that kept it 2-0 when it could have been worse. A below-par contribution in a game that required far more from the full-backs.

FotMob: 5.4 · WhoScored: 5.5 · Our Rating: 5.5

⚽ Midfielders

7.5

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni ↓ 71'

The player of the match in the first half for Real Madrid, quietly and efficiently. Tchouaméni was the engine that kept Madrid's structure intact, making six ball recoveries in 71 minutes, breaking up Atlético's build-up play and providing the positional discipline that allowed Valverde to push higher. Two consecutive starts now and both have been strong performances. His influence on the side's defensive shape was evident in the contrast between how Madrid defended with and without him on the pitch.

FotMob: 7.4 · WhoScored: 7.5 · Our Rating: 7.5

7.0

#8

Federico Valverde

A relentless presence throughout. Valverde's box-to-box energy was at the heart of everything Madrid tried to create — he completed 88% of his passes, made four tackles and created the two occasions in the first half where Madrid came closest to breaking the deadlock. Mourinho has pointed to fouls by Romero and Lee on Valverde as deserving red cards themselves — one of those fouls halted what would have been a clean break on goal in the 35th minute. Did not let the setbacks of the second half affect his commitment and ran himself into the ground for 90 minutes.

FotMob: 7.1 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

6.5

#15

Arda Güler ↓ 54'

Withdrawn at 54 minutes as Mourinho reshaped the side to cope with ten men. It was not a reflection of Güler's performance — he had been one of Madrid's brightest creative forces in the first half, finding pockets of space between Atlético's defensive lines and forcing Cardoso into a significant foul in a dangerous area. His free-kick delivery was testing. A good first-hour contribution cut short by the circumstances of the game rather than anything he did wrong.

FotMob: 6.7 · WhoScored: 6.8 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.5

#5

Jude Bellingham ↓ 82'

A night that summed up the derby's injustice from a Madrid perspective — Bellingham was scythed down by Kang-In Lee in the first half in a challenge that Mourinho has since presented as a clear red card. He played through it and tried to drag Madrid forward during the ten-man period, but the task was simply too great from a structural standpoint. Made a couple of important pressing triggers in the second half but never had the time or space to impose himself on the game in the way that defines his best showings. Replaced by Bernardo Silva at 82 minutes.

FotMob: 6.3 · WhoScored: 6.4 · Our Rating: 6.5

🔥 Forwards

5.5

#7

Vinícius Júnior ↓ 54'

An afternoon of limited return against a well-organised Atlético right flank. Pubill tracked him diligently and Vinícius found it difficult to locate the one-on-one situations where he is most dangerous. Made one sharp run in the first half that should have led to a Madrid penalty — a clip that the referee waved away. Substituted at 54 minutes as part of the tactical reshuffle after the red card, which made tactical sense given that Mourinho needed defensive reinforcement rather than a forward who was having a quiet game.

FotMob: 5.6 · WhoScored: 5.7 · Our Rating: 5.5

7.0

#10

Kylian Mbappé

The one Madrid player who never stopped trying to find a solution, even with ten men, even trailing 2-0, even in a stadium that was deafening with Atlético celebration. Mbappé ran the channels, pressed Atlético's back three from the front and was the most dangerous player on the pitch during the period when Madrid were chasing the game. Had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside in the 77th minute — by the finest of margins — which would have made the closing stages absolutely dramatic. A night of largely solitary effort. His season xG figures continue to underline why he is the first name on the teamsheet.

FotMob: 7.2 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

🔄 Substitutes

8.0

#22

Antonio Rüdiger ↑ 54' ⚽ 89'

Came on as a defender and ended the night as the most important attacking presence on the pitch. Rüdiger's introduction reshaped Madrid's defensive structure and allowed them to hold a respectable shape with ten men. Then, deep into stoppage time, from a corner, he rose above Hancko and powered a header into the net. It was the kind of physical, decisive contribution that you want from a 33-year-old captain in a crisis moment. He kept Real Madrid's dignity and gave Mourinho something to build on. On another night — with an earlier red card for Atlético, as Mourinho has argued — Rüdiger's goal would have been a winner.

FotMob: 8.1 · WhoScored: 7.9 · Our Rating: 8.0

6.5

#25

Yan Diomande ↑ 54'

Given the thankless task of adding attacking width and pace with a man fewer. Had one clear run on goal in the 58th minute that he was unable to convert with the quality the moment demanded. Worked hard in both directions for 36 minutes, tracking back and covering spaces that the ten-man structure opened up. Showed why Mourinho trusts him — his energy and directness were exactly what the situation called for, even if the result did not ultimately go Madrid's way.

FotMob: 6.4 · WhoScored: 6.6 · Our Rating: 6.5

5.5

#6

Eduardo Camavinga ↑ 71'

Brought on to add legs and pressing intensity in the final twenty minutes. Could not significantly change the dynamic given the structural problem of a man fewer. Made three ball recoveries and one important block but Madrid's predicament was beyond any individual cameo to fix by that point. A functional contribution in impossible circumstances.

FotMob: 6.0 · Our Rating: 5.5

6.5

#20

Bernardo Silva ↑ 82'

Eight minutes plus stoppage time — just enough to show his quality but not enough to change a game. His arrival gave Madrid more technical quality in midfield and his quick passing helped set up the corner from which Rüdiger scored. Another sub who arrived too late to do enough but contributed meaningfully to the late pressure that nearly produced an equaliser.

FotMob: 6.6 · Our Rating: 6.5

The result was harsh on Real Madrid, who were the better team for 51 minutes of this fixture. The Huijsen red card was the decisive moment — not because it was wrong by the laws of the game, but because Atlético's own unpunished brutality in the same match went unpunished, a fact that Mourinho documented with photographs. Madrid drop to second on 15 points, three behind Atlético on 16. The title race remains extremely tight. The next month will tell us a great deal about whether this squad has the depth and mental resilience to respond. Based on what Rüdiger produced in the 89th minute — it should. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27 LaLiga Matchday 7 Madrid Derby Away Player Ratings Real Madrid Atlético Madrid Rüdiger Huijsen Mourinho September Controversy

Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11

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Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11 | LaLiga Matchday 7

Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid | Sunday, 20 September 2026 | 14:15 CET

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Real Madrid arrive at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday night carrying the momentum of four consecutive wins and a growing sense of belief that this season belongs to them. The 2-3 victory at Elche on Tuesday, sealed once again by the irrepressible Carlos Espí in the closing minutes, means Real Madrid have now won six of their opening seven competitive matches across all competitions. Coming into the first Madrid derby of the 2026/27 LaLiga season, Los Blancos sit second in the table with 15 points from six matches. Only Barcelona, with their perfect record, stand ahead of them.

And yet, this fixture carries a weight that the points table alone cannot capture. The last time these two sides met at the Metropolitano in LaLiga, it was September 2025, and Atlético won 5-2 in a result that shook Real Madrid to their foundations. The memory of that afternoon still echoes loudly in both dugouts. For Mourinho's side, this is not merely Matchday 7. This is a statement match. A chance to signal to Simeone, to Atlético, and to everyone watching that last year's humiliation at this ground will not be repeated.

The narrative surrounding this Derby is rich with subplot. Julián Álvarez, the man Simeone calls one of the five best players in the world, spent the entire summer trying to leave the club for Barcelona. That move collapsed, and with it the relationship between Álvarez and the Metropolitano faithful has never quite recovered. He has been managing his way back to full fitness after illness and did not start against Athletic Club last weekend. Whether he starts Saturday is one of the great tactical questions of this derby. Similarly, Real Madrid head into this one on the back of a European midweek absence and a congested fixture list, with Mourinho's squad depth about to be tested in the most demanding fixture of the early season.

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The Squad List | Convocatoria

 

José Mourinho has named the following group for the derby:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Mestre

Defenders: Asencio, Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger, Dumfries

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, Thiago

Forwards: Vini Jr., Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim, Yan Diomande

Coach: José Mourinho

Known Absences: Rodrygo (injury, expected return January 2027)

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The Context: What This Derby Means

Atlético Madrid have built quietly this season. Simeone's side beat Osasuna 4-0 in midweek, a performance that underlined their attacking intent. The Cuti Romero signing has transformed their defensive structure, and despite the Álvarez transfer saga generating noise all summer, the Argentine stayed and continued to produce. Confirmed absences for Atlético include Barrios and Sorloth, while Álvarez's fitness and starting status remain in doubt until closer to kickoff.

Atlético arrive at this derby in good form, having won their midweek match, making this game a test of where they stand at this stage of the season against the team expected to challenge Barcelona's dominance.

For Real Madrid, the recent form trend is upward but not without nuance. The win at Elche was hard-fought and not convincing until the late Espí goal. The away record, while now improved, has shown Real Madrid can be vulnerable when pressed high with intensity. That is precisely Simeone's preferred style, and it creates a genuinely compelling tactical battle.

Álvarez had missed the previous Atlético match against Sevilla due to illness, and Simeone made clear that a full return to the starting XI so soon would be premature, though he was included in the squad that travelled to Bilbao. His status for Saturday remains the key team news question for the home side.

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Mourinho's Approach: How Real Madrid Sets Up for a Derby

José Mourinho was built for exactly these nights. His entire managerial identity is rooted in high-stakes knockouts and derby warfare. The Special One will not allow this to be an open game. Expect Real Madrid to be compact, structured, and lethal on the counter.

There is one clear precedent that shapes his thinking. Atlético's 5-2 win here last September was an aberration, a performance that exposed Real Madrid's high defensive line against pace and movement. Mourinho, who was not in the dugout that night, has studied the tape thoroughly. The team he sends out on Saturday will be set up specifically to deny Atlético the transitions that hurt the previous incarnation of this side.

In midfield, he will demand discipline. The double pivot will be asked to screen and protect before it can attack. In attack, he will demand patience and precision. The one thing Mourinho will not tolerate in a derby is a repeat of defensive naivety, regardless of whether it was his fault.

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The Predicted Starting 11 | 4-2-3-1

Based on squad availability, recent form, and tactical logic for a hostile away derby, the predicted lineup is: Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella; Aurélien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde; Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Kylian Mbappé.

Courtois is not just Real Madrid's number one. In derbies, he is a difference-maker. His reading of the game and shot-stopping at the highest level have repeatedly turned matches. Against Atlético's sharp forward line, he will be called upon at least twice, and he will answer.

Dumfries gets the nod at right back in what is a considered selection for a match where defensive solidity matters over attacking enterprise. His physical presence against Atlético's left flank can be decisive. Huijsen and Konaté continue as the central defensive partnership, with Rüdiger available from the bench should Mourinho need experience and aggression in the final phase. Cucurella at left back has been the season's quiet success story, and his defensive intelligence makes him better suited for this fixture than an attacking option.

The big call in midfield is the selection of Tchouameni alongside Valverde in a double pivot rather than the more expansive option of Camavinga. This is Mourinho at his most pragmatic. Tchouameni's physical screening and defensive reading, paired with Valverde's relentless work rate and press-disruption, gives Real Madrid the exact kind of midfield compactness that a Simeone side will struggle to dismantle. Camavinga provides genuine impact from the bench.

Arda Güler starts on the right of the front three, and his selection is no longer a question. It is a certainty. He has been the team's most influential player this season by performance impact, and Mourinho's admission at the pre-Elche press conference that Güler is "top, top" was as close to a public coronation as the Portuguese manager delivers. In a match where Real Madrid will look to exploit space on the counter, Güler's ability to receive between the lines and execute quickly in tight spaces is invaluable.

Bellingham runs the game from the number ten position. In derbies, Bellingham finds another level. His intensity, his leadership, and his habit of arriving into goal-scoring positions at precisely the right moment have defined his Real Madrid career. This is the stage he was built for.

Vinicius on the left carries the most obvious attacking threat. Mourinho has publicly challenged him to find his goalscoring edge again, and the Brazilian's response in training has reportedly been excellent this week. Against Atlético's right flank, he has the pace and the directness to cause damage. He will be targeted defensively, heavily, and that means he will have to be smarter with the ball than he was in Elche.

Mbappé leads the line. The away record caveat from recent weeks has now been addressed with a goal in Elche, and Mbappé's sharpness in front of goal is carrying that extra edge of a man who knows the pressure is on him in the big matches. The last time Real Madrid played at this exact stadium in a LaLiga match, Mbappé played. He did not score. That statistic ends on Saturday.

 

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Suggested Substitutions

The bench is deep enough to change the game and Mourinho will use it tactically, not desperately.

Camavinga (for Tchouameni, ~65 min): If Atlético have been managed and the game is under control, Camavinga brings energy and a more progressive passing game in the second period. He can push the tempo at the right moment.

Rüdiger (for Konaté or Huijsen, ~70 min): If the scoreline gets complicated, Rüdiger brings aggression and set-piece threat in attack as well as defensive authority. He also provides Mourinho with the ability to go to a back three if needed.

Brahim Díaz (for Güler, ~75 min): Fresh legs and that Atlético-punishing combination of pace and pressing, ideal for tiring defensive legs in the final quarter.

Endrick (for Vinicius or Mbappé, ~80 min): If Real Madrid need a goal or want to press higher late, Endrick brings the kind of explosive directness that deep defensive blocks cannot handle. He has been outstanding in training.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Dumfries, ~80 min): If the game is controlled and Mourinho wants to dominate possession in the closing stages, Trent provides the passing range and composure that turns a one-goal win into a game management exercise.

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Head-to-Head and What to Watch

The historical record across all LaLiga meetings between these clubs stretches across decades of Madrid football history. Since arriving at Atlético in August 2024, Álvarez has contributed the most goals, shots, and joint-most assists among all Atleti players, making him the central figure around whom Simeone's attack is built. If he starts on Saturday, his impact on this match will be enormous. If he does not, Atlético lose their most potent offensive weapon for the biggest game of their season so far.

Real Madrid will press from the front early, look to establish Bellingham as the key link between defence and attack, and seek to isolate Vinicius and Güler in one-on-one situations on the flanks. Atlético, under Simeone, will sit compactly and wait for the moment to spring. Their counter-pressing, when it works, creates chaos. When it does not, a Real Madrid side this loaded in quality has too many answers.

The 69,000 seats at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano will be filled with the most demanding supporters in European football. The atmosphere will be hostile, the intensity will be electric, and for ninety minutes, it will be the only match in the world.

For Mourinho, for Mbappé, for Bellingham, for Vinicius, and for every player in white who remembers what happened here twelve months ago, the motivation does not need a speech. It is already written in the result from last September.

Hala Madrid.

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Follow Real Madrid: The Starting 11 for predicted lineups, convocatoria news, and matchday analysis across LaLiga and the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid Vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is the Madrid Derby against Atletico Madrid away from home in the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in the Match day 26. The last Real Madrid game was against Real Sociedad which was an exciting game from the start but unfortunately was a hard fought draw. Without many key players it was a good game without the desirable result.

The team rating for the match against Sociedad can be found here: Team Rating

Right now Real are recovering as a side but need to win at any cost so that they are in the title race as the gap is already enough. 

Earlier the home game was a 2-0 win for Real. Last season the fixture was a 0-0 draw.

Looking at the

Injury list:

1. Carvajal
2. Ramos
3. Hazard

Suspended:

1. None

Just recovered:

1. Rodrygo
2. Odriozola
3. Valverde
4. Benzema
5. Marcelo
6. Militao

Practiced:

The rest of the players are available for selection. 

Skipped Practice:

• None

Coach Comments:

• Zidane: "We deserved a lot more, particularly when you look at the chances we created. We didn't put them away, especially in the first half and that could have changed the complexion of the game."

Other Comments:

• Vini:"We’re sad that we didn’t get the victory that we needed. We would have won all five matches going into the derby but we couldn't get that last one, it’s a draw. We have to continue working hard to achieve big things this season.

Squad Updates:

This will be the Thirty fifth game of the season and Real have been really inconsistent in their games and results, they have had 20 wins, 6 Draws and 8 losses. In the last several games the performance has dipped especially in attack and with this ailing squad things are getting complicated as injuries keep piling up.

Atletico is a good in attack but are strong in the defence, so Real will need to be careful in all departments.

In the goal Courtois will start, he has been in a good form. He has supported the defense really well but has not received the same from the team and more so with so many injuries in the defense.

Mendy should start on the left. As Ramos is out after surgery and Militao is just back. Nacho should get the nod ahead of all and Varane will start as the center backs. Carvajal is out again so Lucas Vazquez should fill in. So Mendy, Nacho, Varane and Lucas Vazquez should start.

Modric has been great and with Kroos playing really well both should start. So, Kroos, Casemiro and Modric should start. Isco, Arribas, Valverde and Blanco should start from the bench. 

The forwards have been poor all season, they have been wasting too many chances in front of the goal.  Hazard is out and Vinicius should start on the left. With Rodrygo playing well, he should get his chance ahead of Asensio. And Benzema should start upfront. 

As there are 5 substitutions available, ZZ should think for more rotations in the second half especially taking into consideration the team's fatigue and injuries.

The probable substitutions will be: 

Vinicius > Asensio

Modric > Valverde

Benzema > Hugo Duro/Mariano

Rodrygo > Isco

Mendy > Marcelo

So the formation would be 4 3 3.

The most probable kit to be used for the game will be the home kit!!!

So the final starting 11 will be:

Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Atletico Madrid at home in the La liga match day 13. This is the first Madrid derby of the season. The last Real Madrid game was against Borussia Mönchengladbach which was great result after a good display in all the departments .

The team rating for the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach can be found here: Team Rating

This is the most important league match of the season. Real have no option but to win this.

Last year this fixture was a 1-0 win.

Looking at the

Injury list:

1. Mariano
2. Ødegaard
3. Hazard
4. Valverde
5. Jovic

Suspended:

1. None, Casemiro is on 4 yellow and has a chance of missing next game if he picks another yellow.

Just recovered:

1. Carvajal
2. Odriozola

Practiced:

The rest of the players are available for selection. 

Skipped Practice:

• None

Coach Comments:

• We did what was supposed to be done.

Other Comments:

• The team has the full defensive unit back.

Squad Updates:

This will be the eighteenth game of the season and Real have been inconsistent in their performances, they have 9 wins, 3 Draws and 5 losses. And in the last couple of games the performance levels have improved, Defense has been without errors. Earlier there were too many personal errors leading to goals and losses but now things have been better. Madrid would want to win this derby at any cost.

Atletico has a great attack and defense. So, Real will need to be solid in the defense and be sharper in attack.

In the goal Courtois will start, he has been in poor form and has been leaking goals in the last few games but have shown signs of improvement in the last couple of games. 

Mendy has to start on the left. Ramos and Varane will start as the center backs. And Carvajal will start on the right. So Mendy, Ramos, Varane and Carvajal should start. Defense has been in fine form for last two games. They need to be well coordinated against the attack of Atletico.

Modric has been exceptional in last few games, and is sure to start. Mid field has been better in the last few games even without Valverde. Kroos and Ødegaard have been sharp as well but both lacked fitness, which was evident in defending the counters leading to the goals. Real is getting the control back in the midfield and hope this progression continues. Modric, Casemiro, Kroos should start. Ødegaard and Isco will start from the bench, though it is a problematic situation for Ødegaard who has been out due to a minor injury.

The forwards have been better in the last game but otherwise they have been mis-firing and missing sitters. They have been creating chances but not finishing. Hazard is not available and Vinicius should start on the left, Benzema upfront and Rodrygo on the right. Lucas Vazquez, and Asensio should start from the bench.

As there are 5 substitutions available, ZZ should think for more rotations in the second half especially taking into consideration that the team's fitness.

The probable substitutions will be: 

Vinicius > Asensio

Modric > Ødegaard

Kroos > Isco

Mendy > Marcelo

Rodrygo > Lucas Vazquez

So the formation would be 4 3 3.

The most probable kit to be used for the game will be the home kit!!!

So the final starting 11 will be:

Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Atletico Madrid at home in the La liga match day 22. 
Atletico are 5th on the leader-board and Real are top of the league. This is the El Derbi at Santiago Bernabeu and one of the most fiercest of rivalries, Madrid is not going to take any risks this time.

Looking at the 

Injury list:

1. Asensio
2. Hazard

Both Asensio and Hazard  have been injured for a long time now. And have not been practicing with the team. Both have started individual workouts now. We hope their recovery is faster and soon they start playing with the team.

Suspended:

1. None

Just recovered:

1. Bale

He has started practicing with the team but still a doubt to play as a starter.

Practiced:

Asensio and Hazard continue their recovery processes. Others are practicing with the team.

Skipped Practice:

None

Coach Comments:

• Defence has been doing good and is now our strength.

Other Comments:

• This is a crucial game and the team had a good outing in terms of goals in the Copa del Rey against a good rival.

Squad Updates:

This is a crucial game for the La liga title race.

In the goal Courtois will start and will start fresh after the rest during the Copa del Rey game, he had several good games in the past, things look definitely very positive for Courtois and Real Madrid.

Ramos and Varane will start as the center backs. Mendy will start on the left after the rest during the last game and Carvajal will start on the right. So Mendy, Ramos, Varane and Carvajal should start. Defence has been in good form and is expected to prevent the occasional errors those have led to the goals in the past games.

All the five super mid-fielders are doing great, Modric, Kroos, Valverde, Isco and Casemiro. It is a very difficult decision for ZZ. Taking the past game's rigor and current fitness level into considerations it is going to be Modric, Casemiro and Kroos in the middle. James and Valverde will be on the bench. And Isco will start in the attack.

As Hazard and Asensio have been injured and Bale is just recovered he would not start. After several injuries and returns it will be Benzema, Valverde and Isco to start. And Jovic, Vinicus and Lucas Vazquez should be on the bench. 

So the formation would be 4 3 3, with Isco and Valverde on the wings.

So the final starting 11 will be:

Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Atletico Madrid at a neutral stadium in Saudi Arabia which is the Final of the Supercopa. Being the first final of the season this is very crucial, Madrid is not going to take any risks this time.

First I would like to see the 

Injury list:

1. Asensio
2. Hazard
3. Bale
4. Benzema

Suspended:

1. None 

Just recovered:

1. James
2. Marcelo
3. Lucas Vazquez

Practiced:

Asensio and Hazard continue with their recovery processes. Bale and Benzema have not traveled to Saudi Arabia for the tournament and should not feature in the final.

Skipped Practice:

None

Coach Comments:

• Nothing specific

Other Comments:

• Bale and Benzema are not traveling.

Squad Updates:

This is a crucial game for the Supercopa title, and it is a knockout game. Ramos is now available ,so Ramos and Varane should be seen in the starting 11 and as Marcelo had a muscular injury and just returned he was a bit scrappy and should not make into the starting line up.  So Mendy, Ramos, Varane and Carvajal will start. Defence has been good and expected to prevent the occasional errors those have led to the goals.

In the goal Courtois will start, having got a few good games in the past, things look definitely very positive.

All the four super mid-fielders are doing great, Modric, Kroos, Valverde and Casemiro. And now Isco is added to that, there are 5 options for available as starters. So, it is going to be Casemiro, Kroos and Valverde in the middle. And Modric and Isco will start on the flanks like they did in the Semi-final.

Isco will be seen as a starter on the attacking trident on the left flank instead of the mid field and Modric will start on the right.

As Hazard, Bale and Benzema have been injured Jovic, Vinicius and Rodrygo are the go to options. So, Isco, Jovic and Modric should start in absence of Bale and Benzema. And will have Mariano, Vinicius, James and Rodrygo as substitutes depending on the work rate of others.

So the final starting 11 will be:

Atletico Madrid Vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is the 'El Derby' against the city rivals Atletico Madrid and away from home, currently they are 3rd on the leader-board and Madrid on top.

The point to note is Atleti has lost just one match this season.

First I would like to see the injury list:

1.     Asensio

2.     Mendy

Suspended:

1.     None

Just recovered:

1.     Marcelo (One training session with the group)

2.     Isco

3.     Modric

Practiced:

All except the injured lot.

Skipped Practice:

Rodrygo, trained with Castilla

Coach Comments:

•  Zidane: “You ask me about two players but what interests me is the group. Karim is important for the team, not just for his goals. Casemiro gives a lot of balance, but not only that. Everyone contributes something to the team in their own way on the field”
• On Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr., Zidane: “They’re completely different, but both are good. They play differently. They want to progress and improve. They are very young".
• Zidane: “Lucas Vázquez looks in great form to me, that’s for sure".
• Zidane: "Of course everyone’s expectations are high with Hazard. I don’t doubt him a second”
• Zidane: “Modric, Isco and Marcelo all feel better. We’ll see tomorrow”

Other Comments:

• Bale rested for Atletico clash this weekend, should be back
• Too early for Marcelo, Isco and Modric to start but should be seen as subs

As Mendy is injured and Marcelo has just returned with one practice session with the team under his belt, this could have Nacho in the starting line up. Rest of the defence will remain the same.

So, it will be either Marcelo/Nacho, Ramos, Varane and Carvajal. 
As Marcelo's injury was a sprain, I would start him instead of Nacho.

As Isco and Modric are clear choices for substitution having just recovered from injury.

So, mid-field will have Kroos, Casemiro and James. 

Hazard, Benzema and Bale should start. And will have Vinicius and Jovic as substitutes for Hazard and Benzema.

So the effective line up should be:

    

As Marcelo is not in the Squad Nacho is to start on the Left.