Real Madrid faces Atlético Madrid in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, and fans are eager to witness an intense Madrid derby at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. With high stakes and both teams in excellent form, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. The first leg of this knockout tie is set to unfold, and here are the key highlights and live updates.
Key Details for the Match
- Date & Time: March 4, 2025, 20:50 CET
- Location: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League – Round of 16
Team News & Lineups
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Real Madrid: The Spanish giants have been boosted by the presence of superstar Kylian Mbappé, while Jude Bellingham's absence from this fixture due to suspension will be felt. Other key players like Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, Luka Modrić, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Antonio Rüdiger are on a yellow card warning, with the potential to miss the second leg in the event of another booking.
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Atlético Madrid: Atlético, led by manager Diego Simeone, will rely on Julian Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann to lead their attack. Two players, Ángel Correa and José María Giménez, are also at risk of suspension.
Key Stats Before the Game
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Real Madrid has been impressive in the knockout stages of the Champions League, losing only one of their last 17 matches in this phase. The team has won 11 times and drawn 5 during this stretch, demonstrating their consistency.
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Atlético Madrid, despite being a formidable opponent, faces a challenging task in this first leg at the Bernabéu.
First Half Update: Real Madrid 1-0 Atlético Madrid
- The first half has seen Real Madrid take the lead with a 1-0 advantage, with Kylian Mbappé contributing to the attacking play. Atlético Madrid has been pushing hard but has not been able to break through Real Madrid's defense.
Tensions Between the Clubs: Pre-Match Dinner
In an unexpected gesture of sportsmanship, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo met for their traditional pre-match dinner ahead of the Champions League clash. This meeting, which took place at the Zalacaín restaurant, highlights the sometimes complex relationship between the two clubs. Despite the fierce rivalry, this tradition continues before major Madrid derbies.
In-Game Insights and Developments
As the match progresses, Real Madrid is continuing to control the game with the advantage in possession. Atlético Madrid will need to find a way to break down Real Madrid’s defense in the second half to avoid heading back to the Metropolitano Stadium with a disadvantage.
For live updates and detailed match commentary, check out the sources:
The match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in the Round of 16 is shaping up to be an intense affair. As both teams look to advance to the next stage of the Champions League, the outcome of this first leg could be crucial. Stay tuned for further updates and highlights as the game progresses.
Keywords: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Champions League, Round of 16, UEFA, Bernabéu, Mbappé, Griezmann, first leg
Bine