LaLiga has set the date and time for the next Madrid derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. The matchday 7 fixture will be played on Sunday, 20 September at 16:15 local time at the Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium, according to information published this Saturday by the newspaper Marca.
The release of the schedules for matchdays 5, 6, and 7 reveals the immediate calendar before the break for the Nations League. Atletico, currently sitting second in the table with 7 points, will face their eternal rivals just two points behind the leaders, who are Real Madrid. The red-and-white team has a record of 7 goals scored and 3 conceded after the first three games.
When is the Madrid derby?
The standout match of the seventh round is scheduled for Sunday, 20 September. Kick-off is at 16:15, a typical time for high-profile rivalry matches in Spain. This confirmation comes after the Spanish football governing body finalized the details for several consecutive matchdays.
Atletico's schedule before that match includes a trip to San Mamés to face Athletic Club on 5 September. This fixture is listed on our fixtures page as the next official game. The Basque side currently sits in twelfth place in the table.
What context does Atletico bring to the match?
Diego Simeone prepares for the derby with a team showing solidity at the start of the 2026-27 season. Their recent form streak (win, draw, win) reflects a good moment. However, the team is dealing with the absence of striker Alexander Sørloth, who is currently on the club's injuries list.
The closeness in the standings adds extra spice to the capital clash. With Real Madrid only two points ahead, a win at the Metropolitano would allow Atletico to strike a direct blow in the title race. The team's complete data is available on our stats page.
How does the calendar look before the break?
La Liga has designed a very concentrated block of matches. The fifth round, featuring Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano as the main event, will be played on Saturday, 12 September. The sixth matchday will be played midweek, with games spread between Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 September.
After the derby on the 20th, domestic football will pause for the national teams' commitments in the Nations League. This will give teams a breather before tackling the next phase of the competition.
The scheduling of these matches is key for title contenders. Atletico Madrid knows that a home win against their biggest rival means not just three points, but also a huge psychological boost. The team will look to maintain their positive run and use home advantage to close the gap in the standings. The path to the international break is now fully mapped out.
