Atletico vs Real Madrid: Confirmed Lineups, Predicted XIs, and Injury Updates for Champions League
Simeone and Ancelotti Face Key Decisions Ahead of Champions League Derby
Both Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti have big calls to make for the crucial Champions League last-16 decider between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are set to have Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger available for Wednesday’s second-leg clash at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium. Both players were back in training on Monday after missing the 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. Courtois had a “small problem,” while Rudiger was recovering from the flu. Ancelotti is confident they’ll be fit for the derby.
Jude Bellingham, who withdrew late against Vallecano, will also be available, as the issue wasn’t injury-related. He is expected to start after missing the first leg due to suspension. This could lead to Brahim Diaz dropping to the bench, despite his winning goal in the first leg. Eduardo Camavinga might also be at risk of being rotated, as Ancelotti looks for the right balance between attack and defense. The rest of the lineup should remain similar to the first leg, with Raul Asencio partnering Rudiger in defense, and Federico Valverde continuing at right-back after impressing there last week.
Injuries continue to sideline Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo. Meanwhile, Luka Modric, Fran Garcia, and others are expected to be rotated.
Atletico Madrid face their own injury concerns ahead of the decider. Clement Lenglet was forced off with a knock against Getafe, and Rodrigo De Paul limped off at halftime. Both are expected to be fit, but if not, Robin Le Normand and potentially Conor Gallagher could start. Llorente might be called upon to partner Barrios in midfield if De Paul doesn’t recover in time.
Koke remains sidelined, and Angel Correa is available despite serving a domestic suspension for his red card against Getafe. Atletico’s focus will be on bouncing back from a disappointing 3-2 loss, which included a dramatic late double from Getafe’s Mauro Arambarri.
Predicted Atletico XI: Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; De Paul, Barrios; Lino, Simeone, Griezmann, Alvarez
Injured: Koke
Doubts: Lenglet, De Paul
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Injured: Carvajal, Militao, Ceballos, Vallejo
Time and Date: 8pm GMT, Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Venue: Metropolitano Stadium
How to Watch: TNT Sports
