Madrid Derby in the Champions League! An Epic Clash

Attention, Rojiblancos! The Champions League gives us a Madrid derby in the round of 16, a clash that promises strong emotions. Real Madrid and Atlético will face each other in a two-legged tie that will define the future of both in the competition.

This unusual clash in the Champions League adds a special ingredient to the rivalry. The latest precedent between the two, a one-all draw in La Liga, makes us predict a tight and hard-fought match. We remember that goal from Julián for Atleti, followed by Mpabbé’s equalizer.

The history in European competitions between these two teams is rich in memorable moments. From that distant semi-final clash in 1959, with the need for a tiebreaker, to the finals of 2014 and 2016, passing through the quarterfinals of 2014-15 and the semifinals of 2017, each match has been a battle.

The first leg will be played on Tuesday, March 4 at 9:00 p.m. at the Santiago Bernabéu. You can’t miss it! You can follow it through Movistar Liga de Campeones and, of course, on Radio MARCA and MARCA.com, with the best preview, the starting elevens, the chronicle, the statements and the summary with the best plays. Aúpa Atleti!

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Llorente: The Mattress Maker's Wild Card Against Vinicius

Marcos Llorente, Atlético de Madrid’s all-rounder, has become a key player for Simeone thanks to his versatility and performance on the field. Whether as a winger, full-back, or midfielder, Llorente always delivers, as he demonstrated against Athletic, where he assisted Julián’s goal.

Now, against Real Madrid, Llorente will face a crucial mission: to stop Vinicius. Although it’s not his natural position, his physical and tactical display makes him an ideal candidate for this challenge.

It won’t be the first time Llorente has faced the Brazilian, and his experience will be fundamental in preventing Vinicius from exploiting his speed on the wing. The key will be teamwork, but in individual duels, Llorente will be in charge of battling.

Despite not always being an undisputed starter, his numbers speak for themselves: five goals and seven assists, figures that recall his best version in the 20-21 season, when he was decisive in the conquest of LaLiga.

Llorente is ready to be the anti-Vinicius, as long as Simeone doesn’t opt for Molina, another player with experience in duels against the Brazilian. Ultimately, Llorente represents the grit and fighting spirit of Atlético, a player capable of adapting to any position and giving his all for the team.

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Atlético-Real Madrid: A European Classic with Unexpected Origins

The history of the Madrid derby has a fascinating chapter in the 1959 European Cup. After two intense semi-final matches, with Real Madrid winning in Chamartín and Atlético in the Metropolitano, the score was still tied. With no away goal rule, a play-off match was inevitable.

The choice of venue was a real battle. Meeting at the Hotel Velázquez in Madrid, directors from both clubs and representatives of UEFA and the Spanish Federation negotiated until the early hours of the morning.

Real Madrid proposed playing in the capital, while Atlético defended the neutrality of the pitch, relying on the regulations. After hours of debate and multiple proposals, it was finally agreed that the play-off would be played at La Romareda, Zaragoza.

A location halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, where Atlético had played the previous weekend. UEFA accepted the proposal, although it acknowledged that it would not have opposed a match in Madrid, given the exceptional nature of facing two teams from the same city.

The match was a vibrant duel that ended in victory for Real Madrid thanks to goals from Di Stéfano and Puskas. Collar scored for Atlético, but it was not enough. The result qualified Real Madrid for the final, where they would conquer their fourth European Cup.

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Colchonero Legends: When Rivalry Gave Way to Tribute

In a golden age of football, where respect and admiration transcended rivalries, Atlético de Madrid starred in unique moments that seem unthinkable today. Far from the current polarization, tributes to prominent figures allowed to see legends wearing unthinkable shirts.

A brilliant example was the match in honor of José Luis Escudero, on January 6, 1955, at the old Metropolitano. That day, Alfredo Di Stéfano, already a star of Real Madrid, joined the rojiblancas ranks along with other white players such as Oliva and Molowny.

The Austrian Wiener suffered the magic of a dream attack, with Miguel, Ben Barek, Di Stéfano, Molowny and Escudero, who delighted the colchonera fans with a 4-1 victory. A year later, Real Madrid returned the gesture by honoring Luis Molowny at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The spectacle was huge, with a stellar combined that included Kubala and two references from Atleti: Miguel and Enrique Collar. ‘Avión’ Collar, already a dazzling figure in Spanish football, also had the opportunity to wear the white shirt.

These events, reflected in chronicles of the time, show that football was a celebration of talent and mutual respect, beyond colors. A time where lordship and sportsmanship were fundamental values, allowing moments that today only live in memory.

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Atlético Rules in Derbies: Griezmann, Giménez and Lino on the Rise

Under Simeone’s leadership, Atlético de Madrid has transformed its history in the Madrid derbies, previously dominated by Real Madrid. Although the ‘Cholo’s’ overall record still slightly leans towards the white side, the situation has radically changed, and some Rojiblancos players can boast dominance in these matches.

Antoine Griezmann is the best example. After a difficult start against Real Madrid with Real Sociedad and Barcelona, the Frenchman has found his best form as a Colchonero. He already has ten victories as a Rojiblanco, giving him a positive balance in his 31 derbies played, with 12 draws and only nine defeats.

His goal-scoring record is also remarkable, with nine goals, including a key one in the Copa del Rey. José María Giménez also stands out in these duels. The Uruguayan central defender has won seven of the 18 derbies he has played, losing only four.

His leadership in defense and his two goals in these matches are a testament to his importance. For his part, Lino has proven to be an important player in the derbies.

After scoring against Madrid while on loan at Valencia, he has already accumulated six matches as a Rojiblanco with a favorable balance of two wins, three draws and only one defeat, scoring again. These players symbolize the fighting spirit and winning mentality that Simeone has instilled in Atlético, turning the derbies into much more balanced and often favorable battles for the Rojiblancos team.

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Oblak and his unfinished business in Champions

Jan Oblak, a legend in Atlético de Madrid’s goal, has built his reputation in the Champions League with memorable performances. From his beginnings standing out against Bayer Leverkusen to the recent penalty shootout against Inter, the Slovenian has defended the Rojiblancos’ goal with mastery.

His displays in Munich and Liverpool are just a few examples of his quality, eliminating teams that dominated the European scene at the time. However, even the great ones have difficult nights. In Oblak’s career, two matches against Real Madrid have marked bitter moments.

The 2016 final, where despite his efforts Atlético fell in the penalty shootout, and the semi-finals a year later, with an unstoppable Cristiano Ronaldo, are painful memories for the Colchoneros’ fans.

Despite not being able to stop any shots in the Milan penalty shootout, Oblak had kept the team alive for 120 minutes. A year later, Cristiano’s hat-trick in the first leg of the semi-finals greatly complicated the tie, despite the goalkeeper’s valuable saves.

The Metropolitano is now preparing for a new European derby, an opportunity for Oblak to overcome those ghosts of the past and continue writing his brilliant history with Atlético in the Champions League. The fans trust their goalkeeper to face this new challenge with the grit and security that characterize him.

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Red-Hot Derby: Passion on the Line

The Madrid derby is shaping up to be a crucial clash, where history and passion intertwine. Although Atlético may arrive in slightly better form, Real Madrid’s greatness in European competitions is always a factor to consider.

The match takes on a special dimension, where the weight of history and the pursuit of individual glory become palpable. Key Real Madrid players, accustomed to giving their all in decisive moments, will spare no effort in their quest for victory.

The recovery of important players is essential for their defensive solidity and competitiveness. Opposite, Atlético will seek to impose its game and demonstrate its strength in the domestic arena, where it has shown great solidity in recent matches.

This derby promises to be a vibrant duel, where intensity and commitment will be decisive. The Red and White fans dream of seeing their team make a statement and reaffirm their good form against their eternal rival.

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The Stellar Duel: Álvarez vs. Mbappé, the Battle for Madrid

Atlético de Madrid is experiencing an exciting moment with the arrival of Julián Álvarez, the Argentinian world champion who has revolutionized the Metropolitano. His impact has been immediate, becoming a vital player for Simeone’s team and complementing figures such as Griezmann, Koke, and Barrios.

With 19 goals and 5 assists, Álvarez has proven to be decisive in important matches and knockouts, establishing himself as the ideal footballer for the Rojiblancos. His quality, discretion, and ambition to win titles place him as a star on par with legends like Torres, Futre, or Luiz Pereira.

The fans dream that Álvarez will be the player who propels Atlético to conquer the long-awaited Champions League, a trophy that has historically resisted. However, the road will not be easy, as in Real Madrid, Mbappé emerges as an unstoppable force, ready to lead his team.

This clash between Álvarez and Mbappé transcends a simple match; it is a battle for the dominance of Madrid and a litmus test for Atlético’s European aspirations. The arrival of Álvarez has injected a new energy into the team, increasing the expectations and the fans’ enthusiasm for achieving continental glory.

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Atleti: A golden bench to dream big

Atlético de Madrid’s squad management is paying off, especially thanks to the vital contribution of players coming off the bench. Under Simeone’s guidance, the Rojiblancos’ second unit has become a secret weapon, adding an impressive 35% of the team’s goals this season.

In total, the substitutes have played 5,056 minutes, scoring 29 goals, which translates to an average of 0.51 goals every 90 minutes. Simeone has shown a great ability to manage the available resources and make the most of his refreshing players.

The Argentinian coach has repeatedly expressed the importance of having all players ready, comparing matches to a card game where he needs to have all options available.

Examples such as Julián Álvarez’s goal against Athletic, with an assist from Marcos Llorente, or Alexander Sorloth’s outstanding performance, with eight goals scored coming off the bench, are proof of this.

The contribution of the bench is a differentiating factor that allows Atlético to face matches with greater versatility and reaction capacity. This asset is presented as a fundamental tool to aspire to great things this season, demonstrating that the team’s strength lies in the unity and commitment of all its members.

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Madrid Derby: A European Classic with History

The derby between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid transcends borders, establishing itself as a European classic full of history and emotion. Since that Lisbon final in 2014, these two teams have starred in memorable encounters in the Champions League and other competitions, fueling an intense rivalry.

The coaches, Ancelotti and Simeone, have maintained a passionate tactical duel over the years, always showing mutual respect from the sidelines. Their direct clashes total 27, with a very balanced record.

In the Champions League, the Italian coach has dominated, although Simeone achieved an important victory managing Bayern. In La Liga, Cholo has proven to be a difficult opponent for Ancelotti, while in the Copa del Rey, the Italian has been more successful.

Atlético de Madrid is the rival that Simeone has faced the most times, accumulating 12 wins, 15 draws and 18 losses. Ancelotti, on the other hand, has improved his numbers against the Argentine in his second spell in charge of Real Madrid.

Despite the intense competition, the respect between the two coaches is palpable. Ancelotti has even publicly praised Simeone’s career, highlighting his ability to take Atlético to the highest level in Europe and his impeccable strategy.

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