Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid | Champions League Preview

Real Madrid almost secured their participation in the final game after the first leg of the semi-finals in The Champions League. Los Blancos won 3-0 at Santiago Bernabeu and now the Zinedine Zidane’s men must keep Atletico’s forwards quiet. On the other hand, the Diego Simeone’s players must do something extraordinary to knock Real Madrid out of the competition.

These two teams have met in the European club competitions on 5 occasions. All these times, Real Madrid have been the winner. The last time Real played Atletico in the Champions League was in the last year’s final match, which was won by Los Blancos after penalty shootout. In addition, Los Blancos have won 3 of the last 4 matches between these two teams. Moreover, Real Madrid have been dominant against their local opponents, having won 34 of 58 matches in all competitions. The Diego SImeone’s team has won on 9 occasions.

However, Atletico Madrid have shown a brilliant form at home this campaign. Los Rojiblancos are on a run of 10 consecutive home games in The Champions League without a defeat – 8 victories and 2 draws.

To continue with, that’s the 28th semi-final in The Champions League for Real Madrid. The Zinedine Zidane’s team has won 14 and has lost 13, but the club has never been knocked out after an advantage of 3-0 after the first leg!

The defenders Raphael Varane and Pepe have resumed full training, but it’s not sure that Zinedine Zidane will risk them. On the other hand, Simeone won’t use Juanfran and Vrsaljko, because both are injured. Kevin Gameiro is doubtful for the game. Jose Gimenez is now fit and may be selected by the manager.

Possible Strating XI:

Atletico Madrid: Jan Oblak; Filipe Luis, Stefan Savic, Diego Godin, Lucas Hernandez; Koke, Gabi, Saul Niguez, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco; Kevin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann.

Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Raphael Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Isco, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos; Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo.