The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is set to ignite with a high-stakes Madrid Derby, as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid prepare to battle for a place in the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid, the competition’s most decorated club, had an uncharacteristically challenging path to the knockouts, needing two extra games after a shaky group stage. However, they secured their spot with a statement victory over Premier League giants Manchester City.
Now, their next hurdle is a familiar one—cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid, setting up a rematch of their legendary 2014 Champions League final. That encounter saw Sergio Ramos etch his name into history with a dramatic last-minute equalizer before Real Madrid dominated extra time to claim La Décima.
Recent Head-to-Head Battles
Despite their historical dominance, Real Madrid have struggled to beat Atletico in regulation time in their last five encounters:
- February 8, 2025 (La Liga) – Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
- September 29, 2024 (La Liga) – Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid
- February 4, 2024 (La Liga) – Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
- January 18, 2024 (Copa del Rey) – Atletico Madrid 4-2 Real Madrid (AET)
- January 10, 2024 (Supercopa) – Real Madrid 5-3 Atletico Madrid (AET)
When Will the Madrid Derby Take Place?
- First Leg: March 4th or 5th at the Santiago Bernabéu
- Second Leg: March 11th or 12th at the Metropolitano
Prediction: Will Real Madrid Continue Their UCL Dominance?
Derbies are notoriously unpredictable, but when it comes to the Champions League, Real Madrid are a different beast. With their squad firing on all cylinders and a history of rising to the occasion, Los Blancos will enter as favorites.
Atletico, however, are no pushovers, having frustrated their rivals in recent encounters. Diego Simeone’s men thrive in knockout football, making this one of the most thrilling ties of the round.
One thing is certain—Madrid will have a representative in the quarterfinals. The only question is, will it be the royal whites or the Rojiblancos?
