The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw has set up an electrifying Madrid derby, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid set to battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
After overcoming Manchester City in the knockout playoffs, Real Madrid had the possibility of facing either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. As fate would have it, Los Blancos will now go head-to-head with Diego Simeone’s men in what promises to be a fiery two-legged encounter.
Simeone’s Reaction to the Draw
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone kept it short but confident when asked about facing their city rivals in Europe’s biggest competition.
“A great match, a great match. And we are ready,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
With a packed schedule ahead, Los Rojiblancos are bracing themselves for a grueling period, set to face Barcelona three times in just over a month and Real Madrid twice in quick succession.
Despite the tough run of fixtures, Simeone remains optimistic:
“When you choose to be a coach, you want the best, you seek to face the strongest opponents and compete in all competitions to be close to winning. We are there, and I am happy with everything that is happening.”
A Rivalry Renewed
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have already clashed twice this season in La Liga, with both meetings ending in draws. Now, the stakes are even higher as they fight for European glory.
The first leg of the UCL Round of 16 will take place on March 4th or 5th at the Santiago Bernabeu, while the return fixture is set for a week later at the Metropolitano.
With both teams determined to advance, Madrid will once again be the stage for another unforgettable chapter in this fierce rivalry.
