A high-stakes Madrid derby unfolds in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 as Real Madrid hosts Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Both sides will be looking to gain an advantage in the first leg of this fiercely contested tie, with history favoring Los Blancos, but Atletico determined to rewrite the script.
Real Madrid Overview
Carlo Ancelotti’s side enters the knockout stage with confidence after a dramatic elimination of defending champions Manchester City in the playoffs.
A commanding 3-1 second-leg victory, led by Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance, secured their spot in the last 16.
Real Madrid’s Champions League pedigree is unmatched, boasting 16 titles, and they remain unbeaten in their last nine knockout matches.
However, their recent 2-1 La Liga defeat to Real Betis served as a reminder of their vulnerabilities.
At home, though, they have been nearly invincible, winning eight of their last nine matches at the Bernabeu.
Atletico Madrid Overview
Diego Simeone’s men topped the UCL league phase table but have been inconsistent in recent outings.
A narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga propelled them up the domestic standings, though their performance raised concerns as they survived multiple near-misses.
Atletico’s attacking strength has been a key factor in their European run, but their away form in the knockout rounds is troubling, having lost all three of their previous away games at this stage.
They also have a poor record against Real Madrid in the Champions League, having been eliminated by their city rivals in five previous knockout ties.
Team News
Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Injuries also sideline Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo.
Federico Valverde, however, is available after training despite recent discomfort and may slot in at right-back.
Atletico Madrid faces the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta (leg injury) and captain Koke (thigh), but the rest of the squad is fit.
Julian Alvarez, fresh from his weekend heroics, is pushing for a start alongside Antoine Griezmann.
Predicted Lineups:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Diaz, Vinicius; Mbappe
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Gimenez, Galan; Llorente, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez
