Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Champions League fixture at the Vicente Calderon Stadium

(Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-final first leg – a repeat of last season’s final. Real ran out 4-1 victors last year but both sides will fancy their chances over two legs this time round.

The clash has offered memorable moments over recent years from spectacular goals to Oscar-deserving acting from players, and don’t be surprised if there is plenty of the latter.

Neither side have hit the form of last season and are chasing La Liga leaders Barcelona who sit two points clear at the top of the table. However, the statistics are in the favour of Diego Simeone’s side, as Atletico are undefeated in their last six matches against Real with their most recent defeat coming in last year’s final.

Carlo Ancelotti has been under increased scrutiny for Real’s poor form this season and he will be hoping for a win on Tuesday night to give him some breathing space, but a victory in their rival’s back yard will be a tough task.

Real expect to have a full squad to pick from with James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos returning from suspension whilst Gareth Bale has been declared “100 per cent fit” by Carlo Ancelotti after missing Saturday’s 3-0 win over Eibar.

Atletico welcome back Mario Mandzukic who returns from an ankle injury which forced him to miss the last two games.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Atletico Madrid 4 (Tiago, Saul Niguez, Griezmann, Mandzukic) Real Madrid 0, La Liga, February 2015

Real Madrid 2 (Ramos, Ronaldo) Atletico Madrid 2 (Torres, 2), Copa Del Rey, January 2015

Atletico Madrid 2 (Raul Garcia, Gimenez) Real Madrid 0, Copa Del Rey, January 2015

STATS…

Atletico are undefeated in their last six matches against Real with their last loss coming in last year’s Champions League final.

Atletico, who have not tasted defeat in any competition since February, are unbeaten at home against Spanish sides in Europe, having won five and drawn one of their six past matches, keeping four clean sheets in that run.

This is just the second ever meeting between the two sides in the Champions League with the previous being last year’s final.

ODDS…

Atletico Madrid to win: 2.88

Real Madrid to win: 2.8

Draw: 3.35

TV: Live on ITV 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on ITV 1 at 10.40pm.