Real Madrid vs Atl. Madrid prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2025-03-03 20:00.
[p]No two teams from the same country have met more often in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League (UCL) than Real Madrid and AtlĂ©tico Madrid (ten times), and thereâll be extra intensity in this round of 16 first leg clash after the former lost 2-1 to Real Betis on Saturday, a result which saw AtlĂ©tico overtake them in La Liga. The 239th edition of the Madrid derby (Real: W116, D63, L59) also comes less than a month after the teams drew 1-1 in the league here at the BernabĂ©u.[/p]
[p]Los Blancos came through the UCL knockout round play-off where they overcame Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate (W 3-1 at home), meaning the 15-time European champions have won five of their last six UCL fixtures here (L1). While each of their last nine European home games saw them score and concede (W6, D2, L1), suggesting both defences might be stretched, Real have won both previous UCL H2Hs here without conceding.[/p]
[p]The last three H2Hs anywhere were drawn 1-1 but AtlĂ©tico must fancy their chances after  finishing fifth in the UCL league phase (W6, L2) while scoring 20 goals, fewer than only Barcelona (28) and Borussia Dortmund (22). Diego Simeoneâs side also won the last two European H2Hs, which should give them a confidence boost as they protect a ten-match unbeaten run in all competitions following Saturdayâs 1-0 league win over Athletic Bilbao (W6, D4).[/p]
[p]But Los Colchoneros still face a tall order, particularly because theyâve lost their last three away knockout games in the UCL, their longest such losing run since the 1970s. On a more positive note, the three-time UCL/European Cup runners-up overcame losing 4-0 at Benfica in matchday one to win their next three European away fixtures while scoring an average of four goals per game.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Kylian MbappĂ© has scored in three of Realâs five UCL home games this season, with all five of those goals coming before the 65th minute – he also scored in that period when these two sides met less than a month ago. AtlĂ©ticoâs Ăngel Correa may threaten later on as heâs scored three UCL goals this term, all of them away from home after the 80th minute.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Real have only lost one of their last 17 European knockout fixtures (W11, D5).[/p]
[p][i]Written by John Pennington[/i][/p]