Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Why Is Kylian Mbappe Not Playing Tonight for Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 2:42 PM ET

Real Madrid's home game against Atletico Madrid in La Liga is crucial for both teams, with the home team looking to be close to FC Barcelona in the league table and Atletico trying to catch Real Madrid.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa will continue to trust the same outfield players from the past two games for the Madrid Derby against Atletico Madrid tonight, as he decided to bench Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid's attack will be Vinicius Junior with Brahim Diaz alongside him. Mbappe replaced Diaz last Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 match against Manchester City.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid substitutes Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester City FC and Real Madrid CF at City of Manchester Stadium on March 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Earlier reports from France and Spain suggested that Mbappe would start against Atletico Madrid tonight due to the stakes of the match in La Liga.

Is Kylian Mbappe Injured?

Kylian Mbappe is not injured as he is part of the sqaud and part of the Real Madrid bench for the match against Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe was part of the team training sessions ahead of the Madrid Derby. Mbappe is expected to get minutes in the second half, like how he did against Manchester City.

Arbeloa confirmed that Mbappe will play against Manchester City, but didn't confirm whether he would start or not. Arbeloa said, "Kylian Mbappé will play for sure tomorrow."

Arbeloa suggested being satisfied with Brahim Diaz from the start after the win over Manchester City last week. Arbeloa said, "Brahim has been amazing. It's not easy to replace Mbappé, but he did an amazing job. Defensively and offensively, he did everything we asked of him."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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