Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a heavyweight second-leg showdown from the Metropolitano on Wednesday night, Atletico will host bitter local rivals Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hosts, eventually leaving the Bernabeu last week with a 2-1 first-leg defeat across the capital, Atletico Madrid will be excited to make a return to home soil here. However, although Diego Simeone’s men might still have their sights firmly set on collecting a famous Champions League scalp, it is fair to say that Los Colchoneros are seeking some recent stability. Failing to pick up some much-needed momentum over the weekend as they fell to another 2-1 loss at the hands of Getafe, Atletico have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Despite signing off February with a sensational 4-4 stalemate away at Barcelona, Atletico are searching for some crucial defensive resolve. Along with suffering consecutive defeats for the first time since the end of October, Simeone’s camp have recorded just a pair of clean sheets over the past six weeks.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Not featuring over the past month and still dealing with a muscle injury, veteran midfielder Koke remains on the sidelines and will not feature here. While Argentinian international Angel Correa might have been shown a second-half red card against Getafe over the weekend, the 30-year-old will be part of Simeone’s squad on Wednesday night.
Bagging what was a stunning consolation strike at the Bernabeu last week and continuing to shine since arriving from Manchester City last summer, Julian Alvarez will lead the line. Robin Le Normand could keep his spot at the heart of Simeone’s defence and partner Jose Maria Gimenez.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, eventually snatching what could be a crucial first-leg advantage on home soil last week, Real Madrid are looking to officially punch their quarter-final ticket with another statement of intent. Although Los Blancos might have got March underway with a shock collapse away at Real Betis as they fell to a 2-1 defeat, it appears that was just a minor blip for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Landing another 2-1 victory at home against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, Wednesday’s guests have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. With their sights firmly set on defending their European crown in 2025, the former AC Milan boss will also be excited by a rugged record against Atletico. Including that first-leg 2-1 win last week, Los Blancos have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their previous six meetings across all fronts.
Real Madrid Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Real Madrid will once again be without the defensive duo of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao. However, Los Blancos are hopeful that former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will be able to make an immediate return on Wednesday night.
Once again finding the net against Rayo Vallecano last weekend and now notching 15 goals across all competitions since opening the New Year, French superstar Kylian Mbappe will play a leading role here. Handed a full La Liga rest on Sunday, Thibaut Courtois will return between the sticks at the Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When Atletico and Real Madrid met for their first-leg showdown at the Bernabeu last week, Los Blancos collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- The reigning European champions have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- Atletico have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their last seven matchups across all formats.
- French superstar Kylian Mbappe has recorded 15 goals across all competitions since returning from Spain’s festive break.
- Each of the last 10 meetings between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Eventually leaving the Bernabeu with a hard-fought 2-1 victory, Real Madrid will travel across the Spanish capital on Wednesday night looking to lay down a heavyweight marker. Now winning five of their previous six appearances across all competitions, Los Blancos will meet an Atletico squad that are searching for some recent stability. With all eyes falling on the Metropolitano in midweek, neutrals will be hoping for another European thriller. It should be noted, with each of the last 10 straight meetings between the two Spanish icons finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
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