Real Madrid is set to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match. This Madrid derby promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams motivated to establish dominance not just locally but on the European stage.
Recent developments have placed Real Madrid's performance under scrutiny. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti's side suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against Real Betis over the weekend, falling to third place on the La Liga table. This loss ended their impressive seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions, allowing Barcelona to extend their lead.
Despite the setback, Real Madrid remains favored to win against their local rivals. With ten victories from twelve home league matches this season and eight wins from their last nine games at the Bernabeu, the defending champions are still seen as formidable opponents. Ancelotti emphasized the significance of this match, stating, "It will be closely contested, and the outcome will depend on the second leg. Our goal is to perform well and establish an advantage. The opponent is strong." These sentiments frame the anticipation surrounding the game.
Atletico Madrid prepares for this derby with their spirits bolstered. Following their weekend triumph over Athletic Bilbao, Atletico is currently second behind Barcelona with aspirations for their first La Liga title since 2019. Coach Diego Simeone believes this tie is more competitive, as his team is unbeaten in their last ten matches.
Both teams have produced tight contests recently, with their last three meetings finishing in 1-1 draws. Such parity leads analysts to predict another closely fought match where defensive strategies will likely prevail. Statistically, the two sides have drawn six of their last seven encounters, making this derby one to watch.
On the availability front, the game poses challenges for Real Madrid as they may have to cope without key players. Federico Valverde is uncertain due to recent fitness concerns, whereas Dani Ceballos is injured and Jude Bellingham is suspended. Still, Ancelotti reiterated his commitment to their style of play, expressing confidence. He affirmed, "We will not reinforce the midfield or remove a forward. We need to stick to our same idea."
Looking toward Atletico, they face injuries to players like Cesar Azpilicueta and Koke, but their main squad remains otherwise intact. These factors contribute to the match’s unpredictable nature, where each side's strengths and vulnerabilities could dictate the outcome.
Fans will be eagerly watching the two elite Spanish sides clash, raising the stakes higher as they fight for advancement to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Ancelotti's remarks reflect the weight of expectation and the need to establish early control. Acknowledging the recent defeat to Real Betis, he mentioned, "Hopefully, this defeat will awaken us and teach us a lesson." These words set up the team’s intention to bounce back effectively.
Given their competitive history, both teams are aware of the importance of this match. A slight advantage could play massive dividends when they meet again for the return leg on March 12, at the Estadio Metropolitano, home to Atletico Madrid. Football fans across the globe anticipate what promises to be another classic chapter of the Madrid derby and the storied rivalry it embodies.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 PM GMT on March 4, 2025, and coverage will be available on TNT Sports, providing fans with live updates and insights throughout the match.