Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone acknowledged the magnitude of the upcoming Round of 16 clash against Real Madrid, while expressing confidence that his team is fully prepared for the challenge on March 4 or 5 and March 11 or 12.

"I'm only going to answer one question about the tie because we play against Valencia on Saturday, and that’s where our focus is. It’s a great match, and we’re ready. That’s what I feel. A great match, and we’re ready," he stated in a press conference after the morning training session in Majadahonda.

Simeone dismissed any concerns about avoiding an additional trip, emphasizing the quality of their opponent: "It’s a huge game, and we are ready."

He also refused to discuss the derby in the context of the current refereeing controversy: "Valencia, Valencia, Valencia... Let’s go."

When Do Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid Play in the 2025 Champions League Round of 16?

The UEFA Champions League is entering its most decisive stage, with the tournament’s 16 best teams set to compete in the Round of 16. One of the most anticipated matchups is the clash between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, as they write another chapter in their European rivalry.

Round of 16 Dates and Schedule

• First leg: March 4 or 5, 2025 | Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
• Second leg: March 11 or 12, 2025 | Metropolitano Stadium

Atlético de Madrid will host the second leg at home due to the new Champions League format, which grants this advantage to teams that finished higher in the league phase.

Who Will Play at Home in the Quarterfinals?

UEFA’s draw determined that the winner between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid will play the second leg of the quarterfinals at home. However, if they reach the semifinals, they would have to close the tie away.

Potential Quarterfinal and Semifinal Opponents

If Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid advance, they will face the winner of the PSV vs. Arsenal matchup in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, their opponent could emerge from the clashes between PSG, Liverpool, Club Brugge, or Aston Villa.

FC Barcelona would only be a possible opponent in a potential Champions League final.

Champions League Head-to-Head History

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League has produced some unforgettable encounters, especially in the last decade.

2016/17 Semifinals

• First leg: Real Madrid 3-0 Atlético de Madrid
• Second leg: Atlético de Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid
• Aggregate: 4-2 in favor of Real Madrid

2015/16 Final

• Regulation time: Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético de Madrid
• Penalty shootout: Real Madrid won 5-3

2014/15 Quarterfinals

• First leg: Atlético de Madrid 0-0 Real Madrid
• Second leg: Real Madrid 1-0 Atlético de Madrid
• Aggregate: 1-0 in favor of Real Madrid

2013/14 Final

• Regulation time: Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético de Madrid
• Extra time: Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético de Madrid

First European Encounter (1958/59)

• First leg: Real Madrid 2-1 Atlético de Madrid
• Second leg: Atlético de Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
• Tiebreaker: Real Madrid 2-1 Atlético de Madrid

Real Madrid has won every Champions League knockout tie against Atlético. The big question is whether Diego Simeone’s team can rewrite history in 2025.