Notable figures
History was on Real Madrid's side when they faced the same city Atletico Madrid, in an exciting match of the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Real Madrid have overwhelmed Atletico Madrid in the European arena, winning all 5 times the two teams have met in the previous knockout round, including 2 finals.
Real Madrid won 10/12 of their direct qualifying matches against Spanish teams, losing only twice to Barcelona (the round of 16 in the 1960-1961 season) and in the semi-finals of the 2010-11 season.
Real Madrid's recent record in knockout matches has also been extremely impressive. They have lost just one of their last 17 knockout games (W11 D5) and have not been beaten in their previous nine (W5 D4) since their only defeat in the series - a 4-0 defeat to Man City in the 2022-23 season.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are the most dangerous players in coach Carlo Ancelotti's squad. Mbappe has scored 27 goals in 32 appearances in the knockout stages (24 goals, 3 assists) and scored a hat-trick against Man City in his most recent appearance in the play-off stage.
Vinicius has scored nine goals in eight appearances in the Champions League this season (six goals, two assists) and is aiming for 10 goals and assists for the fourth season in a row.
Atletico Madrid's record in away games in the Champions League is worrying. They have lost their last three matches, the longest losing streak since a run of five consecutive matches from 1959 to 1971, including a 1-2 loss to Real Madrid in April 1959.
Julian Alvarez has scored six goals in eight appearances in the Champions League this season. Only two other players have scored more goals than Alvarez in their first Champions League season with Atletico Madrid: Diego Costa (8 goals) in 2013-14 and Vava (8 goals) in 1958-59.
Rodrigo De Paul has a big influence in Atletico's midfield, leading the team in passes (374), passes that break the opponent's defense (65).
In terms of force, Real Madrid will not have the service of Jude Bellingham (suspended), while Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos and Jesus Vallejo will not be able to play due to injury.
On Atletico's side, they will likely not have the services of Koke and Cesar Azpilicueta, both of whom are having physical problems.
Head-to-head record Real Madrid vs Atletico
Atletico Madrid did not have a good record when meeting Real in the knockout round of the C1 Cup/Champions League. In the previous 5 meetings, Atletico have lost, most recently in the first leg of the 2016-2017 semi-final.
However, there is still a ray of hope that luck will smile on Atletico as they have won both of their most recent matches in Europe. Those were a 2-1 victory in the second leg of the 2016-2019 semi-final and a 4-2 victory in the 2018 European Super Cup.
The two teams have drawn 1-1 in both of their La Liga games this season.
The Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid match will take place at 3:00 a.m. on March 5.
