Delhi – Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Match Preview
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 features one of Spain’s biggest rivalries: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid. Once again, you remind us – perhaps exactly — when football sparks the imagination at this time of year, at this level and, with this, when everything that comes to follow we’re addicted up to our ears in anticipation.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Match Preview
Real Madrid, one of the most successful teams in Champions League history, advanced into the Round of 16 by routing Manchester City by a 6-3 aggregate. Key was their star forward, Kylian Mbappe, who scored a second-leg hat-trick. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, qualified for this stage directly following a strong group phase, which they topped after winning six of their eight matches.
The first leg:on March 4 2025 in the Santiago Bernabéu, the return leg in the Civitas Metropolitano. Fans can expect an edge-of-your-seat showdown, where nothing is guaranteed, especially given their history.
Match Details
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Kickoff: 9 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
Location: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)
Last meeting: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (February 8, 2025 | La Liga)
Predictions and Betting Odds
Football betting expert Kyle Bonn offers, based on both teams’ offensive strengths and recent displays, his best total for Manchester City vs. Manchester United.
Moneyline Prediction: Draw (+265)
PREDICTION: Real Madrid 2-2 Atletico Madrid
(Pick offered in 1P/2P split — see below) Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over (-140)
Conditions: Both Teams to Score: Yes (-160)
Diego Simeone grew Atletico Madrid from a defensive setup to more attack-minded operatives in the past. That willingness to fight fire with fire, rather than defending a lead behind a fortress, served them well in February when they earned a 4-4 draw against Barcelona.
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe: The French superstar has hit a phenomenal individual run, scoring 17 league goals and seven in the Champions League
Vinicius Jr.: With seven goals in this competition as well, the Brazil forward is another attacking threat.
Next to Mbappe and Vinicius he forms a fearsome attacking trident Rodrygo
Atletico Madrid
Antoine Griezmann: The Frenchman has six goals and two assists in the Champions League this season
Julian Alvarez: The Argentine striker has been a revelation, with 10 goals in La Liga and six in the Champions League.
Rodrigo De Paul: The midfielder that will lead the way in terms of control of the game and linking the two sides of the pitch.
Confirmed XIs and Team News
Real Madrid (4-2-1-3 Formation)
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Backs: Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy
Midfielders: Camavinga, Tchouameni
Attacking Midfielder: Brahim
Forwards: Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Injuries & Suspensions:
Christian Kimpembe has been included despite a late injury concern while Randal Kolo Muani has been dropped after an underwhelming performance against Al Ahli. Camavinga returned to the squad for their last game with Al Ahli but missed out here.
Suspended: Jude Bellingham (accumulation of yellow cards)
Atletico Madrid (4–4–2 Formation)
Goalkeeper: Oblak
DEFENDERS: Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan
Midfielders: Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Lino
Forwards: Griezmann, Alvarez
Injuries & Suspensions:
In: Koke (thigh), Azpilicueta (leg)
Suspended: None
Best Bets and Prop Picks for Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid
Over 2.5 Total Goals (-140)
With defensive injuries for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid’s recent determination to play more offensively, there should be no shortage of chances in this competitive clash. An over 2.5 goals wager looks good given the presence of prolific scorers such as Mbappe, Griezmann, and Alvarez.
Julian Alvarez to Score Anytime (+270)
Alvarez has delivered time and time again in big matches. He has found the net against Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid in his most recent set of matches, and is a good choice for an anytime goalscorer.
Over 4.5 Total Cards (+110)
And few are as intense as the Madrid derby. At least four yellow cards have been issued in each of their last three meetings, and this kind of high-stakes confrontation leaves plenty of room for that to happen once again.
Vinicius Jr. Carded (+350)
Vinicius Jr. has a history of discipline issues in Madrid derbies. He has been booked in two of his last five clashes against Atletico and has picked up several bookings so far this season meaning he is likely to get another in this hotly contested fixture.
How to Watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid
Watch Live: Paramount+ (7-day free trial)
TV: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Final Notes
Madrid derby in the Champions League Round of 16 as two of Europe’s best teams square off, ensuring an exciting match. The attacking firepower of Real Madrid and the attacking approach of Atletico Madrid can turn into an exciting, high-scoring match. So whether you are a die-hard football fan or just someone that loves to bet on these, you will surely not want to miss this match.
Article by Md Irfan (Watan Tak – Sports Desk)