Who: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
What: UEFA Champions League round of 16, first leg tie
When: Tuesday, March 4 at 9pm (20: 00 GMT)
Where: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
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The Madrid derby takes centre stage in the Champions League round of 16, with Atletico Madrid in a commanding position to try to finally get the best of rival Real Madrid in the European competition.
Real, the record 15-time European champion and current holders, have been a thorn for Atletico in the Champions League over the years, beating the city rival in two finals.
But this Atletico arrives for Tuesday’s first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium playing some of its best football since coach Diego Simeone took over more than a decade ago, and showing confidence that it can meet the longtime rivals head-on.
What is Real Madrid’s take on game?
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior said his team face early elimination from the Champions League if they make any mistakes against Atletico Madrid in their last 16 tie.
Madrid lost 2-1 against Real Betis on Saturday in LaLiga and Vinicius said their weak performance could not be repeated in Europe.
“I think in the last game, we lacked a bit of everything… we made too many mistakes, we defended badly and did everything badly,” the winger told a news conference on Monday.
“It’s better it happened in the last game, as tomorrow we can make no mistakes because these are knockout games where you make a mistake and you’re going home, and we don’t want to go home so early.
“We’re here to keep improving our game and to put in a good performance tomorrow.”
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said he hoped the slip-up against Betis was a one-time issue before the derby.
“We lacked attitude in the game against Betis. I hope it was an isolated incident,” Ancelotti told reporters. “It is a very even tie and it will be decided in the second leg. It’s a tight game, [it will be] hard-fought.”
Ancelotti praised his opposite number and highlighted Atletico coach Diego Simeone’s strengths.
“What I like is the way he reads games, how he sets up his team, his strategy, the defensive grit his players have – I like all of that,” said Ancelotti.
What are Atletico’s chances against Real Madrid?
Simeone admitted that Atletico’s city rivals have the more illustrious history but backed his own team to deliver ahead of their tantalising tie.
Atletico have never won the Champions League, finishing as runners-up on three occasions. Meanwhile, Madrid are considered the “kings of Europe”, and the fellow rivals from LaLiga, Barcelona, have lifted the trophy five times.
“I always put Barcelona and Real Madrid where they are because of their history, so nothing has changed,” Simeone told reporters on Monday. “They both have a tremendous history and we are pure growth, which is very nice.
“As we always relate situations to history, and history exists, Real Madrid’s history in the Champions League is extraordinary, and tomorrow, we have a big opportunity.”
