Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Match preview | OneFootball

Just a fortnight after comprehensively beating Manchester City in the Champions League playoffs, Real Madrid continue the defence of their European Cup against Atletico Madrid.

The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu hosts yet another continental classic as the Colchoneros visit from across the city in the first leg of their round of 16 meeting in a crunch local affair for the fourth time in the last 10 years.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side comes into the fixture after dropping three important points in the La Liga title race versus Real Betis. There is, therefore, an added incentive to bounce back to their best in the Champions League for Los Blancos, not least against their fierce rivals.

The Merengues will look to continue their unbeaten run versus Atletico at the Bernabeu in the Champions League as they seek a first leg advantage.

Apart from their long-term absentees, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos and Jesus Vallejo are also ruled out owing to injuries, whereas Jude Bellingham is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, the latest of which came in the second leg versus City.

Federico Valverde, however, trained on Monday and returns to the fore while Kylian Mbappe, last time’s hat-trick hero in the UCL will play too.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, overtook Real Madrid in the La Liga standings with a typical 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. While capturing the Spanish top division will obviously be on Diego Simeone’s agenda, he will hope to trump Los Blancos in a Champions League round for the very first time having already lost to them in two finals and two knockout rounds.

While Los Rojiblancos have not suspensions to deal with, Cesar Azpilicueta is doubtful for the match due to muscular issues while Koke is expected to miss out due to an injury.

Former Madridista, Marcos Llorente, will likely be in the starting eleven, however. The visiting side’s offensive threat will come from Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez, both of whom are in imperious form of late.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have already might on two occasions in La Liga this season, with both fixtures ending in 1-1 draws. Last month when the rivals met, Julian Alvarez and Kylian Mbappe scored for their respective sides.

In the first leg, Simeone will be very happy to go back to the Wanda Metropolitano undefeated although Ancelotti’s men will undoubtedly push hard for a win.

Another historic tie and potentially a glamorous night awaits at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, who will both look forward to putting their best foot forward in the first leg.