Possible Lineups for Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid Today: Valverde Returns
The Whites, with an advantage from the first leg, visit the Metropolitano to secure a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals
Real Madrid returns to Champions League action just eight days later, facing Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the round of 16 at the Metropolitano Stadium. The match kicks off at 21:00 CET, with Carlo Ancelotti’s team carrying a slight advantage (2-1) from the first leg. This encounter could extend beyond 90 minutes, given the historically close nature of this fixture. However, in European competitions, Real Madrid has always had the upper hand, winning every knockout tie against Atlético.
Real Madrid arrives in better form than Atlético. In just a week, the mood and results have shifted significantly. Los Blancos, after defeating both Atlético and Rayo Vallecano (2-1), are on the verge of the Champions League quarterfinals and have secured joint leadership in La Liga. Meanwhile, Atlético lost at the Santiago Bernabéu and then stumbled against Getafe (2-1) after leading until the 86th minute. This European clash precedes Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Villarreal and Atlético’s upcoming game against Barcelona, who secured their place in the Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Benfica (3-1) at Montjuïc.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Plans
“I remember all the matches against Atlético, and they’ve always been tightly contested. We have won more in the Champions League, while they have had their moments too. Tomorrow will be no different. The tie will be decided by quality and small details,” Carlo Ancelotti stated in his pre-match press conference. He emphasized that having depth in the squad will be crucial, as substitutions could play a decisive role in the game.
Ancelotti will be without Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, and Jesús Vallejo. There are also doubts about Kylian Mbappé’s availability, as he suffered an ankle issue against Rayo Vallecano. His status remains uncertain, and the club has yet to make an official announcement.
Real Madrid’s Expected Lineup
Thibaut Courtois returns to goal after missing the last match due to muscle overload. Federico Valverde and Ferland Mendy, both rested in La Liga, are set to start as full-backs. Raúl Asencio retains his place in central defense alongside Antonio Rüdiger, who has recovered from illness.
In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni remains indispensable, likely paired with Eduardo Camavinga, as Luka Modrić could be saved for the second half. The attack will ideally feature the usual trio of Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., and Mbappé. However, if the French forward is unavailable, Brahim Díaz may start, potentially shifting the formation to a 4-4-2 with Jude Bellingham and Brahim playing wide, while Vinícius and Rodrygo operate as strikers, similar to last season’s system.
Predicted Starting XI for Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Rüdiger, Asencio, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., Mbappé.
Predicted Starting XI for Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Lenglet, Javi Galán; Giuliano Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Samuel Lino; Griezmann, Julián Álvarez.
