Real Madrid – Atlético Madrid: Confirmed lineups as Arbeloa says Mbappe is “100 per cent” and Bellingham returns
Real madrid – atlético madrid is set for Sunday night at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, with Real Madrid publishing their starting lineup ahead of kickoff. The matchup carries title-race pressure for Los Blancos, who need three points to keep the 2025-26 La Liga race competitive after Barcelona’s home win over Rayo Vallecano. As of March 22, 2026, 4: 00 PM ET, Real’s XI is confirmed while Atlético de Madrid’s starting XI is listed as to be confirmed.
Confirmed team news for Real Madrid – Atlético Madrid
Real Madrid have named their starting XI: Lunin, Carvajal, Rudiger, Huijsen, Fran, Tchouameni, Valverde, Thiago, Güler, Vinicius, Brahim.
Atlético de Madrid’s starting XI is listed (TBC) as: Musso; Molina, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano, Llorente, Cardoso, Baena; Julián, Sorloth.
The match is being played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. Broadcast availability listed includes DAZN La Liga (Spain) and Deportes (USA).
Immediate reactions: Arbeloa on Simeone, Bellingham, and Mbappe
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa addressed pre-derby comments and the managerial matchup with Atlético de Madrid’s Diego Simeone, calling it “a privilege” to face his long-time rival.
“I focus on my own team. And it’s a privilege to face managers like Diego Simeone, who has been demonstrating his quality and talent as a manager for many years at Atletico Madrid, ” Arbeloa said. “Where he’s taken them, the consistency he’s maintained… It’s a privilege, because he’s the kind of manager who pushes you to the limit. ”
Arbeloa also confirmed key fitness updates for Sunday. Jude Bellingham is available after a seven-week absence with a hamstring injury, while Kylian Mbappe is back to full fitness after returning from nearly a month out with a knee injury as a substitute in Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Manchester City.
“He (Bellingham) is available now; he’ll be in the squad tomorrow, ” Arbeloa said at a Saturday press conference. “We’ll see if he plays; I think he will. ”
On Mbappe, Arbeloa was emphatic: “I told you, the day he returns is because he’s 100 per cent… Maximum confidence, assurance and excitement at having such a game-changing player back. And at 100 per cent. ”
Arbeloa added that he expects Mbappe to feature on Sunday, while also welcoming his call-up to the France national team for upcoming matches against Brazil and Colombia in the United States next week.
Quick context: Simeone’s milestone and the stakes
Sunday marks a milestone for Atlético de Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who will take charge of his 50th derby against Real Madrid. Across the previous 49 derbies, Simeone has recorded 14 wins, 17 draws, and 18 defeats.
For Real Madrid, the urgency is clear: with Barcelona already taking three points at home against Rayo Vallecano, the Bernabeu hosts a derby where the home side “need the three points” to keep the league race competitive.
What’s next
All eyes now turn to team confirmation on the Atlético side and how Real Madrid deploy key returning pieces, with Bellingham back in the squad and Mbappe declared fully fit by Arbeloa. El-Balad. com will track the major turning points from the Bernabeu as real madrid – atlético madrid moves from lineup announcements into live, high-stakes action in the La Liga title run-in.
