Atlético Madrid now know its opponent in the Champions League’s round of 16 following Friday morning’s draw in Switzerland.
For the fifth time under Diego Simeone — but the first time in eight years — Atlético will face Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, in its quest to win this competition for the first time in club history.
Atleti had the possibility of being drawn against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, and for the 10th time in Champions League history, a Madrid derby will take place in the knockout phase of the competition. The last time the two Spanish capital sides met in Europe’s premium club competition was in the 2016/17 semifinals, where Real Madrid progressed over two legs. The return fixture was the last Champions League match ever played at the old Vicente Calderón stadium.
The first leg will be played across town at the Bernabéu on March 4, with the return leg just over a week later on March 12 at the Estadio Metropolitano. Having the second leg at home is at least a slight advantage that Los Colchoneros hold over Los Blancos due to finishing the league phase in the top eight; Jude Bellingham’s first-leg suspension due to yellow card accumulation might be another.
When asked Friday about the draw, Simeone said simply that Atlético are prepared for another European battle with its eternal rival, a “partidazo” that follows two 1-1 draws in LaLiga and will arrive amidst a brutal run of 10 games in 44 days. In addition to two more meetings with Madrid, Atlético will face FC Barcelona three times between Feb. 25 and April 2, while Champions League aspirant Athletic Club pay a visit to the Metropolitano in a week’s time.
The complete draw
