Atlético vs Real Madrid: which team is most valuable?

This Sunday’s derby at the Cívitas Metropolitano pits two financially powerful teams against each other. While Real Madrid is undoubtedly ahead in that aspect, Atlético Madrid is not far behind, as evidenced by their numerous summer signings (Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Robin Le Normand, and Conor Gallagher, among others). When comparing the potential starting lineups of both teams ahead of El Derbi, the gap is not as significant as some may have thought.

This season, Leti can look their neighbours squarely in the eye, ready to challenge them on equal footing. Or so the price tags suggest.

How much is Atlético Madrid’s starting XI?

Atlético’s starting lineup has cost the club a total of $341.6 million. There are several high-cost signings, such as Julián Álvarez ($84 million), Antoine Griezmann ($69.4 million, factoring in the initial purchase, loan fee, and second purchase, though Atlético earned $134.4 million when he moved to Barcelona), Conor Gallagher ($47 million), Rodrigo De Paul ($39.2 million), Robin Le Normand ($39.2 million), and Marcos Llorente ($33.6 million). There are also more modestly priced players like Jan Oblak ($17.9 million), Samuel Lino ($6.7 million), Reinildo Mandava ($3.4 million), and José Giménez ($1.1 million). In addition, the squad includes homegrown talent such as Koke, who joined the first team without a transfer fee.

This financial investment extends beyond the starting lineup, with key players like Alexander Sørloth ($35.8 million) and Nahuel Molina ($24.6 million) on the bench, further highlighting the depth and ambition of Atlético’s squad this season.

How much is Real Madrid’s starting XI?

Real Madrid’s typical starting XI is indeed more expensive than their local rivals. In total, Los Blancos’ lineup has cost $454.7 million, $113.4 million more than Atlético’s, which comes in around 75% of the value. However, this figure doesn’t account for the signing bonuses given to players who arrived on free transfers, such as Rüdiger and Kylian Mbappé, which would likely increase the total cost.

The most expensive signing is Jude Bellingham, who cost $115.4 million, followed by Aurélien Tchouameni ($89.6 million), Éder Militão ($56 million), Ferland Mendy ($53.8 million), Vinicius Jr. ($50.4 million), and Rodrygo ($44.8 million). Thibaut Courtois was a bargain considering his value to the team, costing $39.2 million, while Federico Valverde, who was signed as a promising young talent for just $5.6 million, has seen his valuation skyrocket. The lineup is rounded out by Dani Carvajal, who, like Koke for Atlético, has had a top-tier career after rising through the academy.

Madrid’s bench also features expensive players who raise the overall cost of the squad, including Endrick ($39.2 million), Andriy Lunin ($13.4 million), Eduardo Camavinga ($33.6 million), Luka Modric ($39.2 million), Arda Güler ($22.4 million), Brahim Díaz ($16.8 million), and Dani Ceballos ($17.9 million). The main difference in potential between the two squads lies in this “Plan B” – Los Blancos’ depth clearly outmatches Atlético’s, particularly due to the talent and investment available on the bench.

The game between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid will be played today, Sunday, September 29, with kick off at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT.