For the first time since 2017, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are set to clash in the Champions League.
Less than one month ago, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid settled for a 1–1 draw for the second time in the 2024–25 La Liga season. Only two points separate the rivals in the La Liga standings, but come Tuesday, they are playing for something much greater than just three points in the Spanish top-flight.
A Madrid derby headlines the Champions League round of 16. Diego Simeone's men come into the fixture on a 10-game unbeaten run while Real Madrid just suffered a poor defeat to Real Betis at the weekend. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid were two of the favorites to make it to the Champions League final, but now one will not even get to the quarterfinals.
The good news for Carlo Ancelotti is Fede Valverde trained with the team ahead of the match and is expected to feature in his first game since suffering a hamstring injury. Jude Bellingham will miss the clash, though, as he serves his one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation. The injured Dani Ceballos, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal also remain unavailable.
Here's what Real Madrid's XI could look like against Simeone's men on Tuesday, Mar. 4.






