Right from the start, the draw for the UEFA Champions League last 16 stage promised the prospect of some exciting second-round encounters and the tie between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is as tantalising as any as the two city rivals face each other at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night. With European glory on the line for both, expect tensions to run high in what should be an explosive Madrid derby under the lights.
Match Preview
Real Madrid’s pursuit of a record-extending 16th Champions League title is still very much alive, but its route into the knockout phase has been far from straightforward. Having not qualified directly for the last 16, Los Blancos faced a daunting playoff against reigning champions Manchester City. Yet Carlo Ancelotti once more demonstrated his tactical protection of Pep Guardiola, winning a dramatic 3-2 at the Etihad before a 3-1 fortification at the Bernabeu - inspired by Kylian Mbappe - sealed their progression.
Real Madrid are now undefeated in their last nine Champions League knockout ties and have an imposing record against Spanish opposition in the competition. They have progressed on nine occasions from their 11 previous European Cup knockout cracks against La Liga sides. But they were rocked a little at the weekend when a 2-1 league defeat to Real Betis saw them undone by former Madrid player Isco.
On the other hand, Real can take comfort from their home record having won eight of their last nine in the Bernabeu. The only exception? A 1-1 draw with none other than Atletico Madrid.
Atletico, though, approach this tie looking to avenge heartbreak suffered at the hands of Real in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals. Diego Simeone’s side took advantage of Real’s league slip-up by sneaking past Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in Saturday, thanks to a strike from Julian Alvarez. But Los Rojiblancos had their luck, with Bilbao hitting the woodwork three times after the break.
Atlletico, who are currently battling for the La Liga title, ended fifth in the Champions League league phase, winning five games in a row to book their place in the last 16. However, even as their attacking gifts have shone, defensive frailties have been exposed, especially in away knockout games. They lost all three of their away knockout games in last season’s tournament — their worst run at this stage since 1971.
Making matters worse for Atletico, they have never eliminated Real Madrid in a Champions League knockout tie, having been eliminated by them in 1958-59, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. But recent meetings have been closely fought, and the last three Madrid derbies in all competitions were all drawn, 1-1.
Team News
Real Madrid will miss their star midfielder Jude Bellingham, suspended after receiving three yellow cards in this Champions League season. His absence is a huge loss for Ancelotti’s team and, little wonder, given the way he has the capacity to dictate play as well as create and score vital goals. He joins injured teammates Eder Militao (knee), Dani Carvajal (knee), Dani Ceballos (hamstring) and Jesus Vallejo (hamstring) on the sideline.
Federico Valverde, who has experienced minor discomfort, trained on Monday and could fill a right-back position, replacing Lucas Vazquez in that eventuality. In defence, Ancelotti could go with Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger, due to David Alaba still nursing an injury.
Atletico will be without veteran defender Cesar Azpilicueta, who is injured in the leg, and midfield general Koke, injured in the thigh. Otherwise, Simeone has a fully fit squad to choose from with Julian Alvarez tipped to lead the attack after his winning goal against Bilbao. Marcos Llorente, who set up the winner, could also be given a start, possibly sending Giuliano Simeone to the bench.
Possible Starting 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.
Prediction
Although Atletico dug in for their victory over Athletic, their defensive line was constantly stretched and even without Bellingham, the Real Madrid attack has plenty of firepower to break through their back line. All of Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo will be keen to take advantage of any defensive lapses.
Simeone’s side, however, will not die without a struggle. Small, organized, well-schooled defensively and attacking quickly with one or two passes, they might find a chink in Madrid’s armor, especially if Griezmann and Alvarez can play off one another. Expect a tussle, a hard-fought escapade with opportunities at both ends.
With the trend of tight Madrid derbies recently, another close encounter seems on the cards.
Prediction: Real Madrid 1-2 Atletico Madrid.
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