Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: Upcoming Clash Preview and Lineup Predictions
Atleti Aim to Overturn 2-1 First-Leg Deficit in Historic Battle
Should Atlético Madrid manage to progress to the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 Champions League, they will be writing a piece of history.
As they step out onto the pitch at the Estadio Metropolitano, greeted by the passionate roar of their supporters, Atlético will be acutely aware that no version of their club in its 122-year history has ever triumphed over Real Madrid in a European tie. This encounter — the sixth time the two sides have met in Europe’s top competition — has already delivered controversy, stunning goals, and major talking points following last week’s first leg.
Rodrygo and Julián Alvarez both scored excellent first-half goals, leaving the match finely balanced with Atleti dominating for long spells. However, a controversial solo goal from Brahim Díaz in the second half handed Carlo Ancelotti’s team a narrow 2-1 advantage heading into the return leg. While there’s a feeling that Atlético missed a golden opportunity, the club remains confident that the tie is far from over.
A disappointing defeat to Getafe CF in La Liga just days before the second leg did little to boost optimism, but any sign of a negative impact on the squad seemed to fade by Tuesday. In the final training session before the euroderbi, the team appeared upbeat and full of spirit.
It was only a year ago that Atlético turned around a 1-0 deficit against Inter Milan in a similarly crucial Champions League match at the Metropolitano, securing a spot in the next round. However, this time, a tougher opponent stands in their way: the 15-time Champions League winners, who came off a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, keeping their momentum going ahead of this high-stakes derby.
As they meet for the fourth time this season — and the eighth time in the past two years — the tactical approach is well known by now. Both managers know each other’s methods intimately, and the players are familiar with their opponents’ every move. This match, like most in this fierce rivalry, will likely be decided by crucial moments. Atleti will need to ensure they capitalize on more of those moments than Real Madrid, now that the away goals rule has been abolished. Historically, Atlético’s last two wins over Real Madrid have come by two-goal margins — something for the fans to hold on to.
Team News
Atlético’s loss to Getafe not only raised concerns about their title hopes but also created doubts about some players’ fitness. Clément Lenglet was initially sidelined after pulling out of the starting lineup, and Rodrigo De Paul’s early exit from the match due to a knock left his availability in question.
However, both players are now fit for the derby, and they’ll be joined by captain Koke, who returns to the squad for the first time since his injury against Celta Vigo on February 15. Having a full roster, including their most-capped player, will undoubtedly lift the team’s spirits.
Star forwards Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez were substituted in the Getafe match to rest them ahead of the crucial fixture. Griezmann, who has scored 11 career goals against Real Madrid, will be eager to silence any doubts surrounding his role alongside Alvarez. His last goal against Madrid came in January 2024.
Predicted Lineup
Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Galán; Giuliano, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez.
