Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The last meeting between these clubs saw Atletico win 5-2 in September. Kylian Mbappe is ruled out for Los Blancos in this clash.

Match: Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
When: Thursday, 08 Jan 2026

Atletico Madrid Form

Atletico have lost just two of their last 14 matches. Two losses followed a seven-match winning streak. They were beaten 3-1 at Barcelona and 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. They’ve responded with a five-match unbeaten run, but they dropped more league points on Sunday.

Atleti beat PSV 3-2 away and won 2-1 at home to Valencia in La Liga. A 3-2 win followed in the Copa del Rey at Atletico Baleares as they conceded 3.57 xG. A 3-0 win over Girona preceded a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad on Sunday. Atletico allowed 18 shots in that match as they dropped to fourth in the table.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Diego Simeone is without Clement Lenglet in defence due to a knee injury. On-loan winger Nicolas Gonzalez is also set to play no part in this clash.

Pablo Barrios is a doubt in midfield after a knock in the last match. Robin Le Normand and Conor Gallagher are set to be recalled.

Atletico Madrid Motivation

Atletico will be hugely motivated for this match. They’re strong defensively and will be boosted by Mbappe’s absence.

Diego Simeone could change formation or go with an attacking 4-4-2. The team news will give a hint as to his approach.

Real Madrid Form

Los Blancos have bounced back in recent weeks. They had been on a run of just two wins in eight matches, and talk was intensifying of Xabi Alonso being sacked. They lost 2-0 at home to Celta Vigo in La Liga and 2-1 at home to Man City in the Champions League. It’s four successive wins since then.

They won 2-1 at Alaves in the league and 3-2 at CF Talavera in the Copa del Rey. A 2-0 win over ten-man Sevilla preceded a 5-1 win on Sunday. Los Blancos made light work of Real Betis with 2.94 xG and six big chances created.

Real Madrid Team News

Coach Xabi Alonso remains without key forward Kylian Mbappe. Gonzalo Garcia scored a hattrick on Sunday and the 21-year-old is expected to keep his place.      

Eder Militao is ruled out and Brahim Diaz is on AFCON duty with Morocco. Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in training and could play some part.

Real Madrid Motivation

Xabi Alonso is only focused on results right now. He needs wins to buy himself time and will go all out for victory in this one.

Los Blancos have been a bit more reserved and simple in their gameplan across the last few fixtures.

Key Stats

• Atletico Madrid have won 11 of their last 14 matches
• Atletico Madrid have seen Both Teams on Target in 11 of their last 12 matches vs Real Madrid
• Real Madrid have won their last 4 matches (2 wins in 8 before that)
• Real Madrid lost 5-2 to Atletico Madrid in September (2 wins in 7 vs Atletico)

Verdict

The loss of Mbappe is a big factor. Atletico may just edge in this match.

Best Bet: Atletico Madrid to qualify at 2.00

High Value Bet: Atletico Madrid Win and Both Teams to Score at 4.50