La Liga 2025-26 - Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid preview: Where to watch, what to expect and all big predictions for this Madrid derby

It's been the most perfect start to the 2025-26 season for Real Madrid in the La Liga. With Xabi Alonso taking over as the new manager during the off-season, there were doubts whether he could ensure a seamless transition for the storied club. It might be too early to pass a judgment on that but six wins in six games is a brilliant start for the Spaniard as Real Madrid sit on top of the points table going into Match Day 7. They have scored 14 goals in the six games so far and conceded just three, which tells you that the team is playing with a fine balance between attack and balance. A big test, however, is due as they ready themselves to face their cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have endured a torrid start to the season with just two wins from their six games so far. They have drawn three games, all of which were arguably matches that they should have won, and the inconsistency of the team is showing on the points table. They are ninth on the points table and the most telling thing has been their defensive fragility, something that isn't what to expect from an Atletico Madrid side. They scored nine goals in six games but have also conceded seven times across these games. Obviously, a team cannot win many games when they are conceding almost as many as they are scoring. For the first time in a while, they are in vulnerable territory before a Madrid derby.

Overall head-to-head data

Total matches: 71

Real Madrid wins: 33

Atletico Madrid wins: 15

Drawn games: 23

However, recent data has been a lot more close. Real Madrid has only won one of their last five games against Atletico Madrid.

 

Last five matches head-to-head

4/2/2024 - Atletico Madrid 4 Real Madrid 2

29/9/2024 - Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 1

8/2/2025 - Real Madrid 1 Atletico Madrid 1

4/3/2025 - Real Madrid 2 Atletico Madrid 1

12/3/2025 - Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 0

Where to watch?

All the matches of La Liga can be streamed on FanCode.

Prediction 

While recent history suggests a close game, Real Madrid are in much better form and stability at the moment. Atletico Madrid at home will put up a fight but we expect Xabi Alonso's men to take all three points.

Real Madrid 2 Atletico Madrid 1