Key events
Preamble
The 2024-25 Champions League knockout round has officially begun and it truly does not get better than the two heavyweights from the Spanish capital facing off with European football at stake.
The reigning champions, Real, have been inconsistent this season – even in Europe – and were forced to compete in the knockout play-offs after finishing 11th in the league phase. There, they beat Manchester City at the Etihad and then at home to set up this tie against their crosstown rivals.
Atlético, on the other hand, finished fifth in the league phase, with statement wins against the German champions, Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain. They sit second in La Liga, two points ahead of Real.
This will be the 10th meeting between the sides in this competition, the joint most (alongside Liverpool and Chelsea).
Join me for what will be the 10th meeting between these two sides in this competition. As always, feel free to send me your thoughts, predictions, questions, complaints and favourite Madrid derby moments via email.
This is the Madrid Derby: Champions League edition. Kick-off is 8pm GMT, 9pm CET.