Real Madrid Vs Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup: Mbappé Returns, Bellingham Back?

Tonight, Real Madrid hosts local rivals Atlético de Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in what is expected to be the final Derbi Madrileño of the season. With the stakes always sky-high when we face Diego Simeone’s men, the atmosphere in the capital is electric.

While the squad is dealing with a frustrating fresh injury, we also have some massive returns that could tilt this match entirely in our favor. Here is everything you need to know ahead of kickoff.

The Good and Bad of the Medical Report: Courtois Out, Jude Returns!

Let’s start with the bad news. We will be without our giant between the sticks, Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian star unfortunately suffered a quad injury during Tuesday’s intense battle in Manchester, meaning Andriy Lunin will once again be called upon to step up. Lunin has proven time and time again that he can handle the pressure, and he’ll need to be at his best against Atleti’s frontline.

Now, for the fantastic news. Kylian Mbappé is expected to make his highly anticipated return straight into the starting XI. Prepare for fireworks on that left channel alongside Vini Jr.

But perhaps the biggest roar from the Bernabéu tonight will be reserved for Jude Bellingham. The English superstar is finally back in the matchday squad after recovering from that serious hamstring injury he suffered back in January. While he won’t start, expect him to get some crucial minutes off the bench in the second half.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Carlo’s (or the current gaffer’s) lineup features some interesting tweaks, particularly with Carreras stepping in at left-back and our new-look defense marshaled by Rüdiger and Huijsen.

Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-3-3): Lunin; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Valverde, Thiago; Arda Güler, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé.

Atlético de Madrid Predicted XI (4-4-2): Musso; Molina, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano, Llorente, Cardoso, Baena; Julián Alvarez, Alexander Sørloth.