The Madrid derby moves to the European stage with a high-stakes clash in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid will face off this Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. ET (Miami time) at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, in a crucial match that could define the future of both teams in the competition. The second leg of this tie will be played a week later at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano.

Key absences for Real Madrid

Real Madrid comes into this match with several important absences. Carlo Ancelotti will be without Dani Carvajal, Éder Militao, and Dani Ceballos due to injuries, while Jude Bellingham is suspended. Additionally, Fede Valverde is a doubt due to physical issues, creating uncertainty about his participation and position on the field if he plays. The Italian coach also emphasized the need to improve the team’s performance after their recent defeat to Real Betis, stating, "If we play like today, we have no chance of winning on Tuesday."

Atlético aims to break its losing streak at the Bernabéu

On the other hand, Diego Simeone has most of his squad available, though some players are carrying minor injuries. Atlético de Madrid has not won at the Santiago Bernabéu since 2016, with nine years without victories at this stadium. The rojiblancos are cautious but recognize this is a golden opportunity to end that negative streak. Simeone said, "These are special nights where history weighs heavily, but we want to make our own history."

As for their Champions League history, Real Madrid has eliminated Atlético in all previous editions, including the finals in 2014 and 2016. However, the Argentine coach remains hopeful of surprising their eternal rivals and advancing to the quarterfinals. Real Madrid, for its part, will look to reaffirm its dominance in Europe and use its home advantage to take the first step toward the next stage.