The Real Madrid will face Atlético Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League: dates of the knockout stage
After a stunning 6-2 aggregate victory over Manchester City, Real Madrid has secured their spot in the Champions League Round of 16. The draw has now determined their next challenge—a highly anticipated Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid.
Key Dates for the Tie
- First leg: March 4 or 5 at the Santiago Bernabéu
- Second leg: March 11 or 12 at the Cívitas Metropolitano
This two-legged knockout tie will once again put Carlo Ancelotti’s squad to the test, as they go up against Diego Simeone’s well-drilled Atlético side.
Ancelotti’s Reaction After Eliminating City
Following the dominant win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance:
“We repeated the good work we did in the first leg. It was a complete game in every aspect—defensive, offensive, with and without the ball. When the team works well defensively, the quality up front makes a huge difference. We are still in the fight for the Champions League, and we have a real chance to go far in this competition.”
Regarding the team’s current form, the Italian coach added:
“I believe we are on the right path. It took us a while to find the right balance, but now we need to keep working to maintain and even improve this level. Every three days, we have another test, and we have to keep proving ourselves.”
With both Madrid giants now set to battle it out for a place in the quarterfinals, football fans are in for an electrifying Champions League showdown.
