Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid prepare for another showdown as they meet in the Champions League last 16 first leg at the Bernabeu. With history on their side Los Blancos aim to extend their dominance over their city rivals on the European stage. Still haunted by their Champions League final defeats to Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016, Atletico Madrid enter this clash eager to shift the narrative.
A record extending 16th Champions League crown remains in Real Madrid’s sights even after their tough road to the knockout phase. Forced into a playoff against Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti’s side once again got the better of Pep Guardiola with Kylian Mbappe’s hat trick sealing a 3-1 win in the second leg after a dramatic 3-2 game at the Etihad. Madrid are familiar with Spanish foes in Europe having faced a La Liga team 11 times previously in the competition’s knockout rounds, getting eliminated only twice. However, a weekend slip-up against Real Betis, where an Isco-inspired performance saw them lose 2-1, serves as a reminder that their form is not invincible.
Diego Simeone’s men capitalized on Real’s La Liga setback over the weekend securing a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao courtesy of Julian Alvarez’s goal. Atletico briefly sat atop the La Liga standings following their victory but only briefly. Now, their away form in Champions League knockouts has been a concern with three straight defeats on the road in last season’s campaign making it their longest away losing streak in Europe since 1971. On top of that, history heavily favours Real Madrid as they have won all five of their previous knockout ties against Atletico in this competition. Atletico comes into this game with momentum as they have gone 10 games unbeaten in all comps since the 18th of January.
Real Madrid face a crucial absence in midfield as Jude Bellingham is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards in the Champions League. The England international joins an injury list featuring Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos and Jesus Vallejo. However, Federico Valverde could be fit to start.
Atletico Madrid will be without veteran defender Cesar Azpilicueta due to a leg injury and midfield leader Koke is sidelined with a thigh issue. However, Simeone otherwise has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Real Madrid possible lineup: Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Diaz, Vinicius; Mbappe
Atletico Madrid possible lineup: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Gimenez, Galan; Llorente, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez
