Mourinho’s starting XI against Atlético is taking shape.

On Sunday at 4:15 p.m., Real Madrid will travel to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in the highly anticipated Madrid derby. José Mourinho still has one final training session to confirm his decisions, but the first indications regarding his starting XI are already emerging.

This will be Real Madrid’s final La Liga fixture before the international break, and it could hardly be a bigger one. The Madrid derby remains one of the most intense fixtures of the Spanish football calendar, with pride, points and local supremacy all at stake.

Mourinho’s starting XI against Atlético is taking shape.

This time, the match will also feature another fascinating tactical battle between José Mourinho and Diego Simeone, two coaches known for their competitive mentality and ability to prepare their teams for major occasions.

Mourinho is expected to make several changes compared to the side that recently started against Elche. Although Real Madrid managed to secure victory in that match, the Portuguese coach should return to a lineup much closer to what he currently considers his strongest team.

Mourinho’s expected lineup

Thibaut Courtois is certain to start in goal against his former club. In front of the Belgian goalkeeper, Denzel Dumfries could be selected at right-back, while Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen are expected to form the central defensive partnership.

Marc Cucurella should complete the back four on the left side.

The biggest changes could come in midfield. Federico Valverde is expected to start alongside Bernardo Silva, giving Real Madrid a combination of intensity, technical quality and creativity in the centre of the pitch.

Ahead of them, Jude Bellingham could return to a more advanced role. The English midfielder is expected to operate behind the attacking trio, where his movement and ability to arrive in the penalty area could become important against Atletico’s defensive block.

Arda Güler should start on the right wing, while Vinicius Junior is expected to keep his place on the left.

Despite the Brazilian’s difficult recent form, there appears to be little chance of Mourinho leaving him on the bench for such an important derby. The Portuguese coach wants to help Vinicius rediscover his confidence and form rather than remove him from the team at a crucial moment.

🚨 José Mourinho ha instalado una PANTALLA GIGANTE en el césped de Valdebebas.

El nuevo método de Mourinho 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fPQ8HK3xqm
— (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) September 17, 2026

Kylian Mbappé will lead the attack as the centre-forward. The French superstar remains one of the undisputed starters in Mourinho’s team and will once again be expected to provide the biggest attacking threat.

If Mourinho ultimately chooses this lineup, several important players would have to settle for a place on the bench.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Yan Diomandé could all miss out on the starting XI.

Diomandé’s situation is particularly notable. The young Ivorian had started Real Madrid’s previous two matches and produced an impressive performance against Elche. However, he could return to the bench to make room for Vinicius, Güler and Bellingham in a more experienced attacking setup.