Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: Can Los Blancos Extend Their Perfect Start?
Atlético Madrid finished third last season with 76 points, securing a Champions League spot. At home, they were especially strong, collecting 46 points at the Wanda Metropolitano—15 more than away—making them the second-best home side in La Liga.
This season, however, results have been mixed. After six rounds, Diego Simeone’s men sit 9th with 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss), slipping down six places compared to last year. Their only defeat came away to Espanyol on the opening day. At home, though, they remain solid: unbeaten in three matches (2 wins, 1 draw). Most recently, they edged Rayo Vallecano 3-2, securing back-to-back home victories.
Real Madrid, by contrast, enter the derby in stellar form. Last season, they finished as La Liga runners-up while lifting the Copa del Rey. But their Champions League campaign ended painfully in the quarterfinals, losing both legs to Arsenal—marking their first time in five years without a semifinal appearance, and their first double defeat in a European knockout tie since 2004. They also suffered a heavy 0-4 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup semifinals.
This season, Carlo Ancelotti’s successor has reinvigorated the squad. Los Blancos have been flawless so far, winning all six league matches to sit top of the table with 18 points. In their last two outings, they crushed Levante 4-1 away and beat Marseille 2-1 at home in the Champions League opener.
Bookmakers opened this clash at a level line (0), but most markets have since shifted to Real Madrid -0.25, reflecting growing support for the visitors. Squad values highlight the gulf in resources: Atlético’s €627 million roster is dwarfed by Real Madrid’s €1.4 billion squad—more than double in value. Interestingly, in their last 10 head-to-heads, Atlético actually hold a slight edge (2 wins, 7 draws, 1 loss). However, given their patchy league form and Real’s momentum under their new coach, the balance tilts toward the visitors.
Prediction: Real Madrid or Draw (Double Chance)
