Atletico Madrid regarded destined to be drawn up towards rivals Actual Madrid within the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16 subsequent month.
Los Blancos powered by way of the playoffs to as soon as once more finish Manchester Metropolis’s European marketing campaign with wins residence and away for Carlo Ancelotti.
A 50/50 probability of touchdown Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen within the first knockout stage was thrilling script ready to be written and Ancelotti and Diego Simeone will go once more twice extra this season.
Each league video games have led to 1-1 attracts up to now in 2024/25 and Los Blancos are winless of their final 5 league clashes with Simeone.
Nevertheless, the document is available in sharp distinction within the Champions League, with Simeone profitable simply one in all six video games towards his outdated foes in Europe, together with two finals defeats.
Actual Madrid eradicated Atletico Madrid within the knockouts rounds again in 2014/15 and 2016/17 however the actual low level for Simeone got here within the 2014 and 2016 finals.
Sergio Ramos’ late header despatched the previous ultimate into additional time, as Ancelotti went on to win his first European title in Madrid and it was penalty shootout heartbreak for Simeone in 2016 on the San Siro.
Nevertheless, Simeone provided up a usually candid response when requested concerning the weight of historical past being on his shoulders for 2 March conferences with Ancelotti.
“I’m going to reply only one query [about the tie], as a result of this Saturday we play Valencia in La Liga and all the main focus is on that match,” as per stories Relevo.
“[I’m not thinking about the past or the future] It is going to be two nice matches and we’ll be prepared for it.”
Following the journey to Valencia this weekend, Simeone has a testing run of video games both facet of dealing with Actual Madrid twice, together with a Copa del Rey semi ultimate first leg at Barcelona and league clashes with Athletic Membership and Getafe.