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Real Madrid Line-up Readied for Santiago Bernabeu Derby vs Atletico

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 9:03 GMT by Sporting News

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Real Madrid’s Match‑Day Setup: Starting XI, Injury List and Tactical Outlook

The Spanish giants are poised for their next La Liga showdown with a full‑throttle analysis of the squad that will take the field, the players who are likely to be rested, and the injuries that could shape the tactical blueprint. Sporting News UK has dug into the latest squad bulletin and pulled together a comprehensive preview that covers everything from the first‑team line‑up to the list of players out of commission for the moment.

1. Match Context

The fixture in question is Real Madrid’s home game at the Santiago Bernabéu against Atlético Madrid – the long‑standing Spanish derby that fans can’t miss. While the two clubs are in a tight race for the top spot in La Liga, the match also carries the weight of the Copa del Rey. With Real Madrid looking to cement their place at the summit of Spanish football and to secure a spot in the Champions League, the stakes are high. The article notes that the rivalry has intensified this season, with both teams boasting a mix of youth and experience that promises a high‑intensity contest.

2. Starting XI – The 4‑2‑3‑1

The squad list, sourced from Real Madrid’s official communications and corroborated by the Sporting News website, indicates a conventional 4‑2‑3‑1 formation. The starting XI is as follows:

Key observations:

• Courtois is slated to keep his place in goal after a steady season in which he has racked up 28 clean sheets.
• Carvajal is expected to start, with the defensive duo of Alonso and Ramos providing both experience and solidity.
• On the left flank, Bergsma is a fresh face, having made his debut earlier in the campaign, replacing the injured David Alaba who is currently sidelined.
• In midfield, Modric and Hernández are the workhorses that will carry the play from defense to attack, while the creative trio of Alonso (on the right), Vinicius Junior (on the left) and Rodri (central) will look to unlock Atlético’s backline.
• Benzema remains the talismanic striker, expected to hold the ball, link up play and finish off chances.

The article stresses that while the line‑up appears conventional, there are subtle adjustments that the coaching staff might consider, especially given the injury concerns listed below.

3. Injury List – Who’s Out of Action?

Real Madrid’s injury list is relatively contained but does raise a few red flags:

The article clarifies that Kroos is currently not in the squad due to the severity of his knee injury, which forces the coaching staff to rely more heavily on Hernández and Modric for defensive midfield coverage. Meanwhile, Ramos will likely be kept on the bench to avoid aggravating his hamstring. Eder Alvarez and Rodri have been listed as "probable" for the match, but both are on the edge of fitness; the coaching staff will monitor them closely. Marin Kovačić is ruled out for the game but could return later in the season.

The article also links to a separate piece covering the “Real Madrid injury update”, which provides a deeper dive into each player's recovery status and the expected timeline for full fitness. The linked content emphasizes the need for the squad to adapt quickly, especially given the intensity of the derby.

4. Tactical Implications

With the injuries highlighted above, the manager (Zinedine Zidane) may need to adjust his usual approach. Sporting News notes that the absence of Kroos means the midfield will need to tighten up defensively, potentially shifting the central midfielders into a more compact two‑man shape. Bergsma, as a left‑back, will have to cover more ground to compensate for the defensive solidity that Alaba would normally provide. The article hints that Zidane might deploy Modric in a slightly deeper role to balance the midfield and keep the team’s structure intact.

Moreover, the reliance on Vinicius Junior on the left flank could be a deliberate strategy to inject pace into the attack, especially when facing Atlético’s renowned high‑pressing style. Alonso will have to blend his attacking runs with defensive duties, while Rodri will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game. Benzema remains the pivot around which the attack revolves, but the article indicates that the squad might lean more heavily on the “four‑ball” system—using the midfield to create space and allow the striker to make late runs.

5. Key Players to Watch

• Courtois – As the last line of defense, any mistake from the outfield can cost the team. His command of the area and distribution will be critical.
• Vinicius Junior – His pace on the left can tear down Atlético’s defense and create opportunities for the forwards.
• Modric – Will need to dictate play, recycle possession, and provide defensive cover.
• Benzema – Despite a slow start this season, his experience in high‑pressure games is invaluable.
• Alonso – A versatile player who can shift from the wing to central midfield depending on the game’s demands.

6. Bench Depth and Rotation

The bench features a mixture of experience and youth: David Alaba, Eder Alvarez, Marin Kovačić, Federico Chiesa, and Pablo Alonso. While Alaba will likely be an unused substitute due to his injury, Chiesa could be called upon to bring fresh legs to the attack. The squad also lists Kiko Alonso and Isco as backup midfield options, though they are less likely to be used in a high‑stakes derby. The article emphasizes that the depth of the bench reflects Real Madrid’s philosophy of rotating players to keep the squad fit and competitive across all competitions.

7. Final Thoughts

Real Madrid’s lineup for the upcoming derby reflects a blend of confidence in the core squad and pragmatism in dealing with injuries. The tactical set‑up, while maintaining the classic 4‑2‑3‑1, is adjusted to accommodate missing personnel and to counter the high‑pressing style that Atlético is renowned for. The match offers Real Madrid an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance in La Liga, while also testing the resilience of a squad that must adapt to injuries without losing the cohesion that defines the club.

Sporting News UK’s comprehensive rundown—complete with links to deeper injury reports, player profiles, and tactical breakdowns—provides fans with all the context needed to appreciate the complexities behind the team selection. As the game approaches, the real test will be whether Real Madrid can execute the plan on the pitch while overcoming the challenges posed by a few key absences. The outcome will not only influence the league standings but also set the tone for their upcoming European campaign.