CONFIRMED: Real Madrid Lineup vs Atletico Madrid as Arbeloa give HUGE surprise as Lunin Replaces Injured Courtois

Sportsdunia Desk

Published - Mar 22, 2026, 06:53 PM

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Summary

Lunin starts in goal due to a late thigh injury sidelining Thibaut Courtois.
Guler joins the attack, while Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe starts at the bench.

The streets of the Spanish capital have fallen silent as the world turns its attention to the Santiago Bernabeu for the Madrid derby. In what is being billed as a season-defining clash, Real Madrid welcomes cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in a Matchday 29 showdown that could decide the fate of the 2025/26 La Liga title. With leaders Barcelona only four points ahead, the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of Alvaro Arbeloa’s men. Fresh off a dominant Champions League victory over Manchester City, Los Blancos enter the arena knowing that anything less than three points against Diego Simeone’s side could see their title dreams slip away.

Real Madrid Lineup vs Atletico Madrid

The Real Madrid CF lineup vs Atletico Madrid has been the subject of intense speculation following a string of late fitness tests at Valdebebas. The biggest headline involves the goalkeeping department; with Thibaut Courtois sidelined due to a thigh injury, Andriy Lunin is confirmed to start between the posts. Defensively, Arbeloa is forced to innovate. With Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy still on the recovery trail, the Real Madrid lineup will likely feature Antonio Rüdiger anchoring the defence alongside the versatile Dean Huijsen.

Tactically, the home side is expected to utilise a dynamic 4-3-1-2 formation designed to exploit the wings. Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia are set to provide the width, while the midfield trio of Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, and Federico Valverde will focus on winning the physical battle in the engine room. Although Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are part of the squad, the absence in the lineup suggests they may start as "super-subs", allowing the in-form Arda Guler to link up with the duo of Brahim Diaz and Vinicius Junior. This Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid fixture demands clinical execution, especially against an Atleti side known for their defensive discipline. Victory in this Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid encounter would not only solidify their status as title contenders but also silence their city rivals in one of football’s most storied rivalries.