UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Preview – March 12, 2025
The Madrid Derby takes center
stage in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg as Atletico Madrid
host Real Madrid at the Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
This fixture is one of the fiercest
rivalries in European football, and with a place in the Champions League
quarter-finals on the line, expect an intense, high-stakes battle between
Diego Simeone’s disciplined Atletico Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti’s
high-flying Real Madrid.
Will Atletico’s defensive
resilience and home support be enough to knock out the record 14-time
Champions League winners? Or will Real Madrid’s European dominance
once again prove too strong?
Match
Details
- Fixture:
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
- Competition:
UEFA Champions League – Round of 16 (2nd Leg)
- Date:
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- Kick-Off Time:
21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET
- Venue:
Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain
- First Leg Result:
TBD
- Broadcast & Live Stream:
- UK:
TNT Sports, Discovery+
- US:
CBS Sports, Paramount+
- Europe:
DAZN, Canal+
- Worldwide:
UEFA Champions League official broadcasters
Team
News & Injury Updates
Atletico
Madrid
Atletico Madrid, under Diego
Simeone, are known for their organized defensive structure,
counter-attacking football, and physical intensity. They will look to frustrate
Real Madrid and take advantage of any defensive weaknesses.
Injuries/Suspensions:
- Antoine Griezmann
– Fit but carrying a minor knock
- Josรฉ Marรญa Gimรฉnez
– Doubtful (muscle issue)
- Rodrigo De Paul
– Available after returning from injury
- Nahuel Molina
– Suspended for yellow card accumulation
Key
Players:
- Antoine Griezmann
– Atletico’s most dangerous attacker.
- รlvaro Morata
– The former Real Madrid striker will look to haunt his old club.
- Jan Oblak
– One of the best goalkeepers in Europe, crucial in keeping Real Madrid’s
attack at bay.
Real
Madrid
Real Madrid, under Carlo
Ancelotti, are favorites to progress given their historical success in
the Champions League. With Jude Bellingham, Vinรญcius Jr., and Rodrygo
in attack, Los Blancos will aim to dominate possession and create goal-scoring
opportunities.
Injuries/Suspensions:
- Thibaut Courtois
– Out (long-term ACL injury)
- รder Militรฃo
– Doubtful (recovering from injury)
- David Alaba
– Out (knee injury)
- Toni Kroos
– Available and expected to start
Key
Players:
- Jude Bellingham
– Real Madrid’s midfield talisman, providing goals and creativity.
- Vinรญcius Jr.
– A nightmare for defenders with his pace and dribbling.
- Federico Valverde
– His energy and pressing will be vital in midfield.
Possible
Lineups
Atletico
Madrid (3-5-2 Formation):
- Goalkeeper:
Jan Oblak
- Defenders:
Mario Hermoso, Josรฉ Marรญa Gimรฉnez (if fit), Stefan Saviฤ
- Midfielders:
Samuel Lino, Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Marcos Llorente, Cรฉsar Azpilicueta
- Forwards:
Antoine Griezmann, รlvaro Morata
Real
Madrid (4-3-3 Formation):
- Goalkeeper:
Andriy Lunin
- Defenders:
Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rรผdiger, Nacho Fernรกndez, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos
- Forwards:
Rodrygo, Vinรญcius Jr., Federico Valverde
Estadio
Metropolitano – The Venue
Wanda Metropolitano, now known as Estadio Metropolitano, is Atletico
Madrid’s modern fortress. With a capacity of 68,000 passionate fans, it
provides an intense atmosphere, making it one of the toughest stadiums for
visiting teams.
- Famous for:
Atletico’s strong defensive performances at home.
- Atmosphere:
The Atletico fan base is known for its intensity, and they will create a
hostile environment for Real Madrid.
- Champions League record at home: Atletico Madrid have an impressive home record in
European competitions under Diego Simeone.
Head-to-Head
Record
- Total Matches:
233
- Real Madrid Wins:
115
- Atletico Madrid Wins:
58
- Draws:
60
Recent
Meetings:
- Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid (La Liga 2024-25)
- Atletico Madrid 3-1 Real Madrid (La Liga 2023-24)
- Real Madrid 3-1 Atletico Madrid (Champions League
2016-17 Semifinal)
Real Madrid have historically had
the upper hand in Champions League clashes, but Atletico will be eager
to change that narrative.
Match
Preview & Tactical Analysis
Atletico
Madrid’s Tactical Approach
- Expect a deep defensive line with five
midfielders blocking passing lanes.
- Counter-attacks
led by Griezmann and Morata will be Atletico’s main source of
offense.
- Physicality and pressing in midfield to disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm.
Real
Madrid’s Strategy
- Possession-based approach, with Bellingham and Kroos controlling the game.
- Vinรญcius Jr. and Rodrygo attacking Atletico’s defensive
weaknesses.
- Pressing high
to force Atletico into making mistakes.
Key
Battles to Watch
- Antoine Griezmann vs. Antonio Rรผdiger – Can Rรผdiger contain Atletico’s biggest attacking
threat?
- Jude Bellingham vs. Koke – A crucial midfield duel that could decide the tempo
of the game.
- Vinรญcius Jr. vs. Stefan Saviฤ – If Vinรญcius finds space, he could cause havoc for
Atletico’s defense.
Betting
Odds & Predictions
- Atletico Madrid Win:
3.00
- Real Madrid Win:
2.10
- Draw:
3.50
Score
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win on aggregate)
Real Madrid’s Champions League
experience and attacking firepower could be the difference, but Atletico’s
home advantage means it won’t be an easy night for Ancelotti’s men.
How
to Watch the Match
United
Kingdom:
- TNT Sports
- Discovery+
United
States:
- CBS Sports
- Paramount+
Europe:
- DAZN
- Canal+
Global:
- UEFA Champions League official broadcasters
Conclusion
This Madrid Derby in the
Champions League promises fireworks. With tactical battles, star
players, and high emotions, it’s set to be an unmissable clash.
Will Atletico Madrid’s defensive
discipline and counter-attacks prevail? Or will Real Madrid’s European
experience and attacking quality guide them to another quarter-final?
Don’t miss the action on March 12,
2025!