Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid will face off again on Wednesday night for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Metropolitano, with Los Blancos holding a 2-1 advantage after last week’s thrilling encounter.
Brahim Diaz scored the decisive goal for Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Bernabeu last Tuesday, following spectacular strikes from Rodrygo and Julian Alvarez for both teams.
Historically, this fixture has favored Real Madrid, with victories in the 2014 and 2016 finals, as well as the 2017 semi-finals. However, Atletico will have some hope, having lost only once in their last seven home games against their rivals.
In cup competitions, Atleti remain unbeaten in their last five encounters with Real, winning four, and they must win again to have any chance of progression after last week’s defeat.
Atletico have managed to overturn a first-leg loss in a Champions League knockout tie on six previous occasions, advancing three times, all in home second legs. Manager Diego Simeone’s team achieved such a comeback last season against Inter Milan in the round of 16, and their outstanding home form in Europe makes them formidable opponents for the reigning champions.
Atletico have not lost at home in the Champions League knockout stages in 28 years, going unbeaten in 18 matches since Ajax’s win at the Vicente Calderon in March 1997.
However, Atletico’s preparation for this match was disrupted by a late 2-1 defeat to Getafe on Sunday, where Mauro Arambarri’s double condemned them to their first loss in 25 meetings with the side. This setback saw them drop to third in the league, one point behind Barcelona, and with a game in hand. Therefore, elimination here would be a significant blow to their season.
