The stage is set for a thrilling Madrid derby as Real Madrid hosts Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. This will be the 239th edition of the derby, with Real Madrid leading the head-to-head record with 116 wins, 63 draws, and 59 losses. The match comes less than a month after the teams drew 1-1 in the league at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 loss to Real Betis on Saturday, which saw Atlético Madrid overtake them in La Liga. Los Blancos have a strong record in the Champions League, having won five of their last six fixtures at the Bernabéu. However, each of their last nine European home games has seen them score and concede, suggesting that both defenses may be stretched.
Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on Real Madrid’s recent slip-up. Diego Simeone’s side has been in good form, finishing fifth in the Champions League league phase with six wins and two losses. They have also won their last two European H2Hs against Real Madrid, which should give them a confidence boost.
Despite their recent success, Atlético Madrid faces a tough task at the Bernabéu. They have lost their last three away knockout games in the Champions League, their longest such losing run since the 1970s. However, they have also shown resilience, overcoming a 4-0 loss at Benfica on matchday one to win their next three European away fixtures while scoring an average of four goals per game.
Players to watch include Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who has scored in three of Real’s five Champions League home games this season, and Atlético Madrid’s Ángel Correa, who has scored three Champions League goals this term, all of them away from home after the 80th minute.
The match promises to be an intense and closely contested affair, with both teams eager to gain an advantage in the tie. Real Madrid will be looking to their strong home record to see them through, while Atlético Madrid will be hoping to capitalize on their opponents’ recent slip-up.
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