Real Madrid struggled to reach the round of 16 after defeating Man City in the play-off round.
But it cannot be denied that Los Blancos are always a formidable force in Europe. They have been unbeaten in nine knockout games in the Champions League. In the past, they have faced opponents from Spain 11 times in the knockout round, but dominated with 9 wins.
The reigning European champions also have an impressive record at the Bernabeu, with 9 consecutive unbeaten matches (8 wins, 1 draw) in recent times. The only draw was against Atletico with a score of 1-1 in February.
For Atletico, facing Real will evoke bitter memories in the finals of 2014 and 2016. Diego Simeone's team lost both championship matches against the same city, missing the opportunity to make a historic achievement.
Los Rojiblancos are also competing with Madrid in the La Liga title race. However, they have lost all three of their away games in the Champions League last season. In contrast, Real Madrid won all 5 matches when meeting Atletico in the knockout round.
The reigning champions have ended Atletico's ambitions in all of 1958-59, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015 2016 and 2016-2017. But they have now won just one of their last seven games against Simeone in all competitions.
The Madrid derby promises to bring many dramatic developments between two teams with many debts.
Expected lineup
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Diaz, Vinicius; Mbappe
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Gimenez, Galan; Llorente, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez
