UEFA Champions League Match Preview
For two teams whose stadiums are just differentiated by 3 miles of distance, this match will have longstanding impacts. While Diego Simeone and his men would be itching to get a perfect revenge for last season’s defeat, Real Madrid would be hoping to continue their dream streak in the Champions League.
Since that famous last season’s All-Madrid Champions League final, both these teams have met each other 7 times, and while they might well be bored of the company of each other, this match – like the one before it, might well be a bloody encounter.
In those 7 matches that have taken place since last May, Real Madrid haven’t won a single one to their name. Thus, even though with all the money, euphoria, fan base and more importantly an owner who likes to spend at their helm, here is a team in Atletico Madrid that has refused to surrender to the supremacy of their next door neighbors.
If you want to calculate the intensity of this fixture, a mere glance at that bloodied face of Mario Mandzukic from the first leg would be enough. While blood was dripping from his face like sweat, his refusal to go out epitomized the importance of this match for both teams. And while Real Madrid players won’t have the same heart of doing such things, there will definitely be a battle of money vs passion, of quality vs agony and most importantly, of World Class players Vs those who envy them.
Team News
Taking a look at the Real Madrid team that is likely to play in this knockout game and there will be a host of notable absentees. With Gareth Bale out injured alongside Luka Modric and Marcelo suspended for the game, Real Madrid are down to their bare bones against their neighbors. Although they have the quality on the bench that is enviable to the most of Europe, there are definitely some voids in this LOS BLANCOS side which Diego Simeone might look to exploit.
Talking about Diego Simeone and his preparations for the game, the Argentine would miss Mario Suarez as the midfielder has been ruled out of this fixture. However, apart from him, there won’t be any other absentee for the underdogs.
Stats:
• Both these sides have met each other twice in the Champions League before, with each fixtures leading to a stalemate at the end of 90 minutes.
• In their last 4 games in the Champions League, Atletico Madrid have scored just 2 goals, with two fixtures ending as goal-less.
• In last 7 matches between both of these sides, Atletico haven’t lost a single game, winning 4 and drawing 3 in the process.
• Real Madrid have scored 5 goals in the Champions League this season from headers, Atletico have managed 4 in the meantime.
Probable lineups:
Real Madrid:
Casillas – Carjaval – Pepe – Ramos – Coentrao – Kroos – James – Isco – Ronaldo – Benzema – Illaramendi
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak – Juanfran – Godin – Miranda – Siqueira – Gabi – Koke – Tiago – Turan – Mandzukic – Griezmann
Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday, 22nd April.
Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid: Probable lineups, Stats, Team News
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