The Santiago Bernabeu will host the first leg of this heated Madrid derby as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid clash in the Champions League knockout stage. While Real had to battle past Manchester City in the playoffs, Atletico comfortably secured a top-five finish in the league phase.
Real Madrid, chasing a record-extending 16th Champions League title, had to overcome a daunting playoff against defending champions Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti once again outfoxed Pep Guardiola, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Etihad before Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sealed a 3-1 second-leg triumph.
Now unbeaten in nine straight Champions League knockout matches, Real has a strong record against Spanish opponents in European competition. Out of 11 previous knockout ties against La Liga rivals, they have been eliminated just twice.
However, they suffered a setback in domestic action over the weekend, falling 2-1 to Real Betis. Despite that loss, they remain dominant at the Bernabeu, winning eight and drawing one of their last nine home games. That lone draw? A 1-1 stalemate against Atletico.
Atletico Madrid, still seeking revenge for their Champions League final heartbreaks in 2014 and 2016, took advantage of Real’s La Liga slip-up with a crucial 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. Julian Alvarez’s strike proved decisive, but Atletico rode their luck, with Bilbao hitting the woodwork three times in the second half.
Diego Simeone’s side has impressed offensively in Europe, winning their final five group-stage matches to finish fifth in the standings. However, their away form in Champions League knockouts is concerning, with three straight road defeats—their worst run since 1971.
Adding to Atletico’s worries, Real has eliminated them from the Champions League in all five of their previous knockout meetings. From 1959 to 2017, Los Blancos have been the Rojiblancos’ ultimate European nemesis. That said, recent encounters have been evenly matched, with the last three Madrid derbies all ending 1-1.
Real Madrid faces a key absence in Jude Bellingham, who is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards. Injuries further weaken their squad, with Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo all unavailable. However, Federico Valverde is set to return and could slot in at right-back.
Atletico also has defensive concerns, with Cesar Azpilicueta sidelined due to a leg injury and captain Koke out with a thigh problem. On the positive side, Alvarez is in fine form, with six Champions League goals this season. He could replace Alexander Sorloth in the starting XI, while Marcos Llorente is pushing for a spot on the right flank.
With Atletico’s defensive resilience and Real missing their midfield talisman, another tight Madrid derby seems likely. Given their recent history, a fourth consecutive 1-1 draw could be on the cards, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg.
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