Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid—the Madrid Derby—remains one of LaLiga’s most-watched fixtures. In the United States, every league meeting between Real Madrid Club de Fútbol and Atlético de Madrid streams live on ESPN+. Exact kickoff times are set by LaLiga and posted in Eastern and Pacific Time roughly 7–10 days in advance. Tickets are sold via each club’s official channels and verified partners.
What happened
The Madrid Derby is an ongoing LaLiga and cup rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The 2025–26 Spanish league season runs through spring 2026, with two league meetings scheduled—one at Santiago Bernabéu and one at Cívitas Metropolitano. LaLiga assigns confirmed dates and kickoff windows closer to each matchweek; US broadcasts stream on ESPN+ with select games on ESPN/ABC as scheduled, according to the US rights deal. [[source:https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/05/espn-acquires-laliga-rights-in-the-u-s/]]
Beyond LaLiga, the clubs can also meet in the Copa del Rey and European competitions. Their rivalry has decided major trophies, including the 2014 and 2016 UEFA Champions League finals, both won by Real Madrid after extra time and penalties, respectively. [[source:https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/]]
For live updates and lineups on matchday—often searched as “real madrid hoy” or “madrid vs atletico madrid”—check official club channels and LaLiga match centers. [[source:https://www.reuters.com/]]
Why it matters
This derby shapes the LaLiga title race and Champions League qualification. It features global stars—recently including Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior for Real, and Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak for Atlético—drawing large US audiences via streaming. The fixture is also a cultural touchstone in the liga española, pitting cross-city identities and contrasting playing philosophies against each other.
Transfer chatter sometimes bleeds into search trends. For example, striker Julián Álvarez is often discussed in broader European rumor cycles, but he plays in England; any links to Madrid clubs are speculative unless confirmed by teams or governing bodies. Always verify via official announcements or trusted outlets like ESPN and Reuters. [[source:https://www.espn.com/soccer/]] [[source:https://www.reuters.com/]]
Context & background
What is the Madrid Derby? Also known as El Derbi Madrileño, it is the top-flight clash between the Spanish capital’s two giants: Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (founded March 6, 1902) and Atlético de Madrid (founded April 26, 1903). Matches are hosted at Real’s renovated Santiago Bernabéu and Atlético’s Cívitas Metropolitano.
Managers and styles: Under Diego Simeone (Atlético’s head coach since 2011), Atleti are known for compact shape, direct transitions, and set-piece strength. Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti has blended possession control with vertical surges led by elite attackers, backed by multi-role midfielders and fullbacks.
Historic stakes: The derby extends well beyond league points. Atlético beat Real in the 2013 Copa del Rey final at the Bernabéu, while Real won the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals between the pair. These results fuel a rivalry that routinely determines silverware and European seeding. [[source:https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/]]
Key rivalry timeline
- March 6, 1902: Real Madrid founded.
- April 26, 1903: Atlético de Madrid founded.
- May 17, 2013: Copa del Rey Final — Atlético 2, Real 1 (Bernabéu).
- May 24, 2014: Champions League Final — Real 4, Atlético 1 (a.e.t., Lisbon).
- May 28, 2016: Champions League Final — Real 1, Atlético 1 (5–3 pens, Milan).
- November 18, 2017: First league derby at Metropolitano ends 0–0.
- January 12, 2020: Spanish Super Cup Final — Real win on penalties (Jeddah).
Comparison: Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid
| Aspect | Real Madrid | Atlético Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Playing style | Possession plus quick vertical attacks; fluid front line | Compact block, counters, high set-piece efficiency |
| Recent stars | Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo | Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Jan Oblak |
| Risks | Space behind advanced fullbacks on counters | Chance creation vs. deep defenses |
| US viewing | ESPN+ (select games on ESPN/ABC) | ESPN+ (select games on ESPN/ABC) |
What to watch next
Scheduling: LaLiga fixes exact derby dates closer to each matchweek and can flex times for US prime viewing windows. Expect confirmation 7–10 days out, with listings in ET/PT. Copa del Rey rounds typically fall in December–February, and European fixtures run across fall and early spring. [[source:https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/05/espn-acquires-laliga-rights-in-the-u-s/]]
Near-term milestones
- October–December 2025: LaLiga matchweeks continue; derby dates may fall in this window.
- January–February 2026: Copa del Rey knockout rounds (potential derby if drawn).
- Spring 2026: Run-in for LaLiga title and European qualification.
Action checklist for fans in the US
- Confirm kickoff: Check LaLiga and club sites 7–10 days before the match for ET/PT.
- Stream setup: Ensure active ESPN+ subscription and app updates on your device.
- Tickets: Use official club sites or verified partners; avoid unverified resellers.
- Time-zone prep: Add a calendar alert and convert to your local time.
- Know the storylines: Review recent form and injuries via trusted outlets.
Additional resources
- How to analyze team form like a pro: how-to-build-a-portfolio
- Top sports analytics certificates to level up your fandom: best-online-certifications
Sources
- ESPN acquires US rights to LaLiga; ESPN+ streams all matches. [[source:https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/05/espn-acquires-laliga-rights-in-the-u-s/]]
- UEFA archives on 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals between Real and Atlético. [[source:https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/]]
- Reuters explainer and match coverage on Madrid Derby context and stakes. [[source:https://www.reuters.com/]]
- All LaLiga Madrid Derby matches stream on ESPN+ in the US.
- Kickoff times post 7–10 days before in ET/PT.
- Historic finals: 2014 and 2016 UCL, plus 2013 Copa del Rey.
- Styles clash: Real’s vertical control vs. Atlético’s compact counters.
Legal & Editorial Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Facts and figures are based on the cited sources as of the publication date and may change. No warranties are made regarding completeness or accuracy. The publisher and author disclaim any liability for actions taken based on this content. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners. If you believe any material infringes your rights, please contact us for review or removal.
