This Sunday’s derby in the Cívitas Metropolitano will pit two financially powerful teams against each other. While Real Madrid is undoubtedly leading the way in this regard, Atlético Madrid is not far behind. as evidenced by their numerous summer signings (including Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Robin Le Normand and Conor Gallagher). When comparing the potential starting lineups of both teams before El Derbithe gap is not as wide as some may have thought.

This season, Leti can look their neighbors straight in the eye, ready to challenge them on equal terms. Or so the price tags suggest.

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How high is Atlético Madrid’s starting XI?

Atlético’s starting lineup cost the club a total of $341.6 million. There are several expensive signings, such as Julián Álvarez ($84 million), Antoine Griezmann ($69.4 million, taking into account the first purchase, the loan costs and the second purchase, although Atlético earned $134.4 million when moving 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 such as Jan Oblak ($17.9 million), Samuel Lino ($6.7 million), Reinildo Mandava ($3.4 million) and José Giménez ($1.1 million). In addition, the selection consists of homegrown talent, such as Koke, who came to the first team without a transfer fee.

This financial investment extends beyond the basic setup, 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.

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How much does Real Madrid’s starting XI cost?

Real Madrid’s typical starting XI is indeed more expensive than their local rivals. In total, The Los Blancos lineup cost $454.7 million$113.4 million more than Atlético’s, which equates to around 75% of its value. However, this figure does not take into account the signing bonuses given to free transfer players such as Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe, 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 considering his value to the team at $39.2 million, while FSigned for just $5.6 million as a promising young talent, Ederico Valverde has seen his valuation skyrocket. The line-up is completed by Dani Carvajal, who, like Koke for Atlético, has had a career at the top level after rising through the academy.

Madrid’s bench also features expensive players who increase 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 sides lies in this ‘Plan B’: Los Blancos’ depth clearly exceeds that of Atlético, mainly due to the talent and investment available on the bench.

Today the match between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid will be played, Sunday, September 29, with kickoff at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.