Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: How to Watch the Madrid Derby
The Santiago Bernabéu will host a pivotal clash this Sunday, March 22, 2026, as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid face off in the 29th matchday of LaLiga. This represents the third Madrid derby of the season, following a 5-2 victory for Atlético earlier in the league campaign and a 1-2 win for Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España semi-finals. Both teams come into the match as quarter-finalists in the Champions League, but are dealing with significant injury concerns, particularly in goal.
Nine points separate the two sides in the LaLiga standings. Real Madrid currently occupies second place, four points behind league leader FC Barcelona, although Atlético Madrid sits in third, with Villarreal trailing closely behind. The stakes are high as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the title race and maintain momentum in Europe.
Match Details
The match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid is scheduled for 9:00 PM local time (21:00 CET) on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Where to Watch
Fans can watch the LaLiga encounter between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid live on television via M+ LALIGA. Live minute-by-minute coverage will be available on the web de ABC.es, with a detailed match report to follow the final whistle.
Team News and Injury Updates
Real Madrid enters this derby in strong form, having recently overcome Manchester City in their Champions League round of 16 tie. However, a significant blow to their squad is the injury to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. He sustained a muscle tear in his right quadriceps during the second leg against Manchester City and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks. Andriy Lunin will deputize in goal. Courtois joins Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo Goes, David Alaba, and Jude Bellingham on the sidelines.
Atlético Madrid also faces challenges with injuries, most notably the absence of their starting goalkeeper, Jan Oblak. Juan Musso, who has been performing well, will take his place, as he did in the return leg against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League. The *Colchoneros* eliminated Tottenham without much difficulty to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, with Julián Álvarez reaching 100 appearances for the club. Atlético has secured four consecutive league victories, but their away form remains a concern. This will be Diego Simeone’s 50th derby as Atlético manager.
Key Storylines
The absence of both first-choice goalkeepers adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already highly anticipated derby. Lunin will be under immense pressure to perform against a potent Atlético attack, while Musso will be eager to prove himself in a high-stakes encounter at the Bernabéu. The goalkeeping situation is just one element of a match brimming with narrative.
Real Madrid’s recent Champions League success will undoubtedly boost their confidence, but they cannot afford to underestimate Atlético, who have been in excellent form themselves. Simeone’s side will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Real Madrid defense and potentially close the gap on their city rivals in the LaLiga table.
The tactical battle between Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone will be fascinating to watch. Ancelotti is known for his attacking philosophy, while Simeone is renowned for his defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess. The manager who can impose their game plan on the match is likely to emerge victorious.
Recent Form
Real Madrid has been in decent form, securing wins against Elche and Manchester City (twice) in recent weeks. However, they did suffer a loss to Getafe. Tottenham Hotspur defeated Atlético Madrid 3-2, but Atlético responded with victories over Getafe, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Sociedad, and Barcelona.
What’s Next?
Following the Madrid derby, Real Madrid will prepare for their Champions League quarter-final tie, while Atlético Madrid will also focus on their European campaign. Both teams will then return to LaLiga action with upcoming fixtures to be announced. The results of this derby will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their respective ambitions for the remainder of the season.
The Madrid derby is always a spectacle, and this year’s edition promises to be no different. With so much at stake and both teams in excellent form, fans can expect a thrilling and fiercely contested encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
