Madrid Derby: Real and Atletico Clash in Champions League Showdown

Madrid, Spain – The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 kicked off with a thrilling derby as Real Madrid hosted city rivals Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on March 4, 2025. This match marks the third encounter between the two teams this season, with both previous league fixtures ending in 1-1 draws.

This round of 16 encounter is particularly significant as it is the fifth time the two Madrid teams have faced each other in the Champions League, with Real Madrid historically dominating the rivalry by winning all four previous meetings, including finals in 2014 and 2016.

Real Madrid’s starting lineup featured goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defenders Federico Valverde, Rodrygo Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy, midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, and forwards Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. Notably, none of the starting XI had played in the clubs’ last Champions League meeting in 2017.

For Atletico Madrid, goalkeeper Jan Oblak led a backline including Marcos Llorente, José María Giménez, Clément Lenglet, and César Galán. The midfield was anchored by Rodrigo de Paul and Ezequiel Barrios, while Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez featured prominently in attack.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed the importance of overcoming a string of recent poor results, including a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis in La Liga just days prior. “Hopefully this game will wake us up,” Ancelotti said after the loss, emphasizing the need for a turnaround against a strong Athletic Madrid side.

Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid’s manager, is keenly aware of the historical significance of this rivalry. “It’s a match with a lot of respect against a great rival,” he commented during a previous press conference, underscoring the importance of a strong performance in this high-stakes match.

Statistics reveal some daunting figures for the visitors. Real Madrid has only been eliminated twice in their prior 12 encounters against Spanish teams in Champions League knockout rounds. They have also remained unbeaten in their last nine knockout matches, indicating their strength in this prestigious tournament.

On the attacking front, Atletico’s newly acquired striker, Julian Alvarez, who has had a remarkable season with 21 goals and five assists in 40 matches across all competitions, was in fine form coming into the match. His contributions have been pivotal in Atletico’s recent success, including a key goal in a 1-0 victory against Athletic Club in their last outing.

The match is not only about points on the table; it carries historical weight, with deeper socio-economic underpinnings that date back over a century. Historically, Real Madrid attracts fans from wealthier neighborhoods around the Bernabéu, while Atletico’s roots lie in working-class areas.

As the players took the field among a backdrop of passionate fans, anticipation built for a clash not only of local pride but of a championship dream, as both clubs strive for glory in European football. Tonight’s encounter served as both a litmus test for their current forms and a stepping stone toward potential triumph in the prestigious Champions League.