Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will reignite their fierce rivalry on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. This marks the first time the two Spanish giants have met in the Champions League knockout stages since the competition was restructured with a new league phase and playoff round.
Real Madrid, the record 15-time European champions, endured a challenging league phase and had to overcome Manchester City in the playoffs to reach this stage. Atletico, meanwhile, secured an automatic spot in the round of 16 after a strong league phase performance. Diego Simeone’s side is determined to end its Champions League hoodoo against its city rival, having lost two finals (2014 and 2016) and two knockout ties (2015 and 2017) to Real Madrid in the past.
“We have a lot of respect for our rival, but we also know our strengths,” Simeone said ahead of the clash.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the tight nature of the tie, stating, “We know it will be an even match, and we feel it will be decided in the return leg. We can’t think about trying to take a big lead tomorrow—it’s not possible because our rival is competing very well.”
Other Tuesday Fixtures:
- Arsenal vs. PSV Eindhoven: Arsenal, who finished third in the league phase, face a PSV side that handed Liverpool its only defeat in the group stage and edged past Juventus in the playoffs.
- Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Aston Villa, a surprise package in the league phase with just one loss, take on Club Brugge, who defeated Villa 1-0 in November and eliminated Atalanta in the playoffs.
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille: Last year’s runners-up Dortmund host Lille, who stunned both Madrid and Atletico during the league phase.
Wednesday’s Highlights:
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool: PSG’s formidable attack meets Liverpool’s relentless pressing in a clash of European heavyweights.
- Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan: The Dutch champions host an Inter side looking to continue their strong European form.
- Benfica vs. Barcelona: Benfica aims to upset a Barcelona team that topped the league phase.
- Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: An all-German showdown sees Bayern take on a Leverkusen side eager to prove their mettle.
With the competition heating up, the round of 16 promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments as Europe’s elite battle for a place in the quarterfinals.