Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

Metropolitano Stadium sets the stage for the return leg of a blockbuster Champions League last-16 tie between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. 

Atletico Madrid suffered a shock in La Liga last weekend as Getafe fought back to inflict Los Rojiblancos’ first H2H defeat in 25 duels, derailing their spirits ahead of this pivotal clash. An identical scoreline condemned Atletico to their fourth consecutive meeting with Real Madrid without winning (D3, L1). There’s no better place than the Metropolitano Stadium to end that unwanted streak, considering Diego Simeone’s men have only lost once in their last 14 Champions League home matches (W9, D4). Furthermore, you’d need to go back to May 1977 for Atletico Madrid’s most recent home loss in the Champions League knockout stages (W11, D7 since) while only losing once in their last seven home encounters against Real Madrid (W3, D3).

In contrast to Atletico Madrid’s recent slumps, Carlo Ancelotti’s charges have gone from strength to strength, beating Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at home to draw level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona. That marked their fifth win in six matches across all competitions (L1), setting the reigning Champions League holders nicely for this showdown. Further confidence comes from Real Madrid’s unbeaten record in two-legged knockout ties in this competition when winning the first leg under Ancelotti (W9). Overall, they’ve only lost one of their last 21 Champions League ties after emerging victorious from the first leg. However, they’d be naive to take this contest for granted after claiming just one win across their last three competitive away matches (D1, L1).