Real Madrid triumphed over Atletico Madrid 2:1 in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, held on March 4, 2025, at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium. This match, part of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, saw the fierce Madrid rivals face off once again, showcasing the intensity and excitement of the derbi.
Both teams came equipped with their best players, seeking to gain the upper hand as they vie for advancement to the quarterfinals. The action began quickly, with Real Madrid taking the lead just four minutes after kickoff. Brazilian winger Rodrigo netted the opening goal, sending fans at the Bernabeu to their feet. It wasn't long, though, before Atletico struck back, as Julian Alvarez leveled the score after thirty minutes, much to the delight of the traveling supporters.
Real Madrid, not to be outdone, regained their lead early in the second half. Brahim Diaz scored the decisive goal, taking advantage of defensive lapses to propel Los Blancos back on top. The score remained 2:1 until the final whistle, marking yet another chapter of rivalry between these two storied clubs.
Fans had eagerly anticipated this rematch, reflecting on past encounters, including the memorable 2014 UEFA Champions League final held in Lisbon, where Real Madrid emerged victorious. Interestingly, for the first time since then, none of the players from the iconic match were present on the field to start this latest clash. The only survivors from the final were Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric from Real Madrid, along with Koke from Atletico Madrid, but injuries saw Carvajal sidelined, and Modric starting on the bench, marking the end of an era for these clubs.
Beyond the Madrid derby, other Champions League fixtures took place on the same day, providing shocking results all around. Aston Villa delivered an impressive performance away from home, overcoming Brugge with a 3:1 scoreline. Villa's Maxim de Kuyper opened the scoring before Leon Bailey and Marco Assensio added goals for the visitors. An unfortunate own goal from Brandon Mechele sealed Brugge's fate, continuing their struggles on the continental stage.
Similarly, Arsenal made headlines with a stunning 7:1 rout of PSV Eindhoven. The Londoners showed their strength with goals from Jurriën Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, and Martin Ødegaard, who scored twice, demonstrating their offensive prowess. The lone consolation goal for PSV came from Noah Lang as he converted from the penalty spot.
Finally, Borussia Dortmund played to a 1:1 draw against Lille at home. While Karim Adeyemi managed to score for Dortmund, Hakon-Arnór Haraldsson's equalizer for Lille ensured the match ended on even terms.
With these matches concluded, teams prepared for the return legs scheduled for March 12, 2025, when the remaining participants hoped to finalize their places among the tournament’s elite.
Returning to the Real vs Atletico affair, the post-match analysis centered not only on the results but also the vibrant atmosphere generated by the fans and the tactical battle between coaches Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone, both of whom have shaped modern football narratives around their respective clubs. They will now gear up for the second leg with their strategies adapted by the lessons learned on March 4.
Overall, this match not only showcased intense competition but also highlighted the evolution of both clubs. With some discomfort following injuries to key players, the outcome set the stage for the upcoming matches and the continued narrative of this historical rivalry.