As the bitterest rivals, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, square off in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 matchup at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, fans may anticipate flashpoints and flare.
Their red and white rivals placed in the top five of the league phase table, but Carlo Ancelotti's champions had to beat Manchester City in the playoffs to go this far.
Even though Real Madrid took the easy road to get to the round of 16, they still have a chance to win a record-breaking 16th top-level continental title. They will face 2023 winners Manchester City in a difficult playoff match as a punishment for not qualifying directly.
However, the grandmaster Carlo Ancelotti once again outmaneuvered Pep Guardiola over two legs, masterminding a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Etihad before Real Madrid secured their progression with a 3-1 second-leg win, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from the electrifying Kylian Mbappé.
Now unbeaten in nine consecutive Champions League knockout matches—a streak that includes their triumphant run to Wembley glory last season—Los Blancos are set to face a Spanish opponent for the 12th time in the European Cup knockout stages. Out of their previous 11 such encounters, they have been eliminated only twice.
Despite their European dominance, Ancelotti’s side stumbled against a fellow La Liga team over the weekend. A former Real Madrid star, Isco, inspired Real Betis to a surprising 2-1 victory on Saturday, ending Real’s three-game winning streak and seven-match unbeaten run.
Nevertheless, the reigning European champions can take solace in their impressive record at the Bernabéu, where they have won eight and drawn one of their last nine matches. Interestingly, it’s no secret which team held them to that solitary draw.
Still striving for European redemption after their heartbreak in the 2014 and 2016 finals, Atletico Madrid capitalized on Real Madrid’s La Liga setback on Saturday. However, Diego Simeone’s men had several close calls in their clash with Athletic Bilbao.
A crucial strike from Julian Alvarez secured the victory for Los Rojiblancos, but luck played a significant role, as Atletico were saved by the woodwork three times in the second half. Simeone’s emotional reaction at the final whistle was a mix of relief and celebration.
Atletico temporarily climbed to the top of the La Liga table with that win—pending Barcelona’s encounter with Real Sociedad on Sunday. While their defensive strength wasn’t their defining trait in the Champions League group stage, their relentless attacking display saw them win their last five matches, securing a commendable fifth-place finish.
However, Atletico’s away form in the Champions League knockout rounds has been concerning, suffering three consecutive defeats in the 2023-24 campaign—their worst run in this phase of the competition since 1971. Meanwhile, Real Madrid hold a flawless 5-0 record in UCL knockout ties against their city rivals.
Los Blancos have historically ended Atletico’s European dreams in the 1958-59, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 campaigns. However, Simeone’s side has gained the upper hand in recent meetings, with Real managing just one win in their last seven encounters. Their most recent showdown in February ended in yet another tense 1-1 draw—the third consecutive match between the two Madrid giants to end with the same scoreline.
Jude Bellingham, the manager of Real Madrid, has been suspended for two domestic games and will miss Tuesday's first leg due to receiving his third yellow card in the Champions League this season during the team's victory over Man City.
As a result, Ancelotti may use the Uruguayan's versatility to replace Lucas Vazquez at right-back, one of two possible defensive changes. He may also bring back Raul Asencio to the starting lineup in lieu of David Alaba, who is prone to injuries.
