Real Madrid Vs Atlético Madrid

Real Madrid is set to host Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night for the first leg of their highly anticipated last-16 clash in the UEFA Champions League. As two of Spain's most prominent clubs prepare to face off, excitement is building for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between these fierce city rivals.

Heading into the match, Real Madrid finds itself in a less-than-ideal position following a 2-1 defeat against Real Betis in La Liga. This setback has left Los Blancos in third place in the domestic league standings, making this Champions League fixture all the more crucial for them. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in their previous outing, a result that propelled them to the top of La Liga. Given their recent form, Atletico will be looking to carry this momentum into the European stage.

Real Madrid, the reigning holders of the European Cup, is aiming to extend its remarkable success in the competition by securing a record-extending 16th title. Atletico, despite its consistent presence in European football, has never won the Champions League. However, they do boast three UEFA Cup/Europa League titles, proving their capability on the continental stage. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both teams will be highly motivated to claim victory in this all-important first-leg encounter.

The history between these two clubs is extensive, with Real Madrid holding the upper hand in head-to-head matchups. The two sides have clashed 238 times in total, with Real Madrid emerging victorious in 116 of those encounters. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, has secured 59 wins, while 63 of their meetings have ended in draws. The rivalry dates back nearly a century, with the first league meeting taking place during the 1928-29 season, where Real Madrid claimed a 2-1 win.

In La Liga alone, these two teams have squared off 176 times. Real Madrid's dominance continues in this competition, with 91 victories compared to Atletico’s 41. A total of 44 matches have ended in a draw. Despite Real Madrid's historical superiority, recent encounters have been more balanced. The last three La Liga matches between these two teams have all ended with identical 1-1 scorelines, including their most recent meeting at the Bernabeu in February 2025.

Atletico Madrid has managed to avoid defeat in their last five league fixtures against Real Madrid, securing four draws and one victory during this period. Furthermore, they have only suffered a single loss in their previous seven meetings with Los Blancos in La Liga. This improved record suggests that Diego Simeone’s side has found a way to remain highly competitive against their city rivals, making Tuesday's clash all the more intriguing.

When it comes to Champions League encounters, Real Madrid continues to hold an advantage. The two sides have met nine times in Europe’s elite club competition, with Real Madrid winning five of those encounters. Most notably, Los Blancos defeated Atletico in two Champions League finals. The first was in the 2013-14 season, where Real Madrid secured a commanding 4-1 victory after extra time. The second final, in 2015-16, was a closely contested affair that ended in a 1-1 draw, with Real Madrid ultimately prevailing in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy once again.

Their most recent Champions League battle occurred in the semi-finals of the 2016-17 campaign. Although Atletico managed to win the second leg 2-1, Real Madrid advanced to the final with an aggregate score of 4-2. Atletico has never managed to claim a Champions League victory at the Bernabeu, making Tuesday’s fixture an opportunity for them to rewrite history.

One of the most memorable aspects of this rivalry has been the performances of legendary players. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the distinction of being the all-time leading goalscorer in Madrid derby history, having netted an astonishing 22 goals against Atletico Madrid during his time at Real Madrid. His contributions played a significant role in many of Real Madrid's triumphs over their city rivals. Without Ronaldo, the dynamics of this fixture have shifted slightly, but the intensity remains as high as ever.

Atletico Madrid has enjoyed success over Real Madrid in domestic cup competitions and the Spanish Super Cup, but their biggest challenge has always been overcoming their rivals in the Champions League. Given their impressive domestic form this season, they will be hoping to change that narrative and take a positive result from the first leg at the Bernabeu.

As Real Madrid prepares to defend their European crown, Carlo Ancelotti will be relying on his star-studded squad to rise to the occasion. Players such as Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo will be expected to step up and deliver against Atletico's disciplined defensive unit. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s team will look to the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Joao Felix to provide the attacking spark needed to trouble Real Madrid’s backline.

With both teams eager to assert their dominance, this match is shaping up to be an electrifying contest. While Real Madrid will seek to capitalize on their home advantage and take a commanding lead into the second leg, Atletico Madrid will be determined to frustrate their hosts and keep their hopes of progressing alive. The battle for supremacy in Madrid extends beyond domestic football, and this Champions League tie will only add another thrilling chapter to an already legendary rivalry.