Atlético vs. Real Madrid: Which team is the most valuable?

This Sunday's derby at the Cívitas Metropolitano pits two financially strong teams against each other. While Real Madrid is undoubtedly ahead in this regard, Atlético Madrid is not far behind. This is proven by their numerous new signings in the summer (including Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Robin Le Normand and Conor Gallagher). When comparing the potential starting lineups of both teams up front El Derbithe gap is not as big as some might have thought.

This season, Leti can look his neighbors straight in the eye and is ready to challenge them on an equal footing. At least that's what the price tags suggest.

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What is Atlético Madrid's starting XI?

Atlético's starting lineup cost the club a total of $341.6 million. There are several contracts with high costs, like Julián Álvarez ($84 million), Antoine Griezmann ($69.4 million), taking into account the initial purchase, the loan fee and the second purchase, although Atlético earned $134.4 million on its move 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 cheaper players like Jan Oblak ($17.9 million), Samuel Lino ($6.7 million), Reinildo Mandava ($3.4 million) and José Giménez ($1.1 million -Dollar). The squad also includes homegrown players like Koke, who moved to the first team without a transfer fee.

This financial investment goes beyond the starting lineup Key players like Alexander Sørloth ($35.8 million) and Nahuel Molina ($24.6 million) on the bench, This underlines the strength and ambition of Atlético's squad this season.

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What is Real Madrid's starting XI?

Real Madrid's typical starting XI is actually more expensive than those of their local rivals. In total, Los Blancos' lineup cost $454.7 millionThat's $113.4 million more than Atlético, which is about 75% of the value. However, this figure does not take into account the signing bonuses for free transfer players such as Rüdiger and Kylian Mbappé, which would likely increase the overall 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 given his value to the team, costing $39.2 million, while FSigned as a promising young talent for just $5.6 million, Ederico Valverde has seen his valuation skyrocket. Rounding out the line-up is Dani Carvajal, who, like Koke, enjoyed a top-flight career at Atlético after rising through the academy.

Madrid's bench also includes expensive players who increase the overall cost of the squad 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 teams lies in this 'Plan B' – Los Blancos' depth is significantly greater than Atlético's, particularly due to the talent and investment present on the bench.

Today the game takes place between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid. Sunday, September 29, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.