Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid clash in the first leg of a huge Champions League derby at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight. It is arguably the standout tie of this season’s last 16 in Europe’s revamped elite club competition as the cross-city rivals go head to head for the third time in this campaign and second in a month, having drawn both of their LaLiga meetings 1-1.
Both currently trail Barcelona at the summit, with Los Blancos two points behind Atletico in third as things stand after Saturday’s shock defeat away at Real Betis. The two sides could also yet meet in the final of this season’s Copa del Rey.
Diego Simeone’s Atleti finished fifth in the new Champions League league phase with six wins from eight, while holders Real Madrid shockingly came 11th and had to battle past Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate in a high-profile two-legged knockout play-off tie as Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the second leg.
The hosts are without Jude Bellingham tonight again due to suspension but hope that Federico Valverde will play, while their visitors are missing the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Koke. Follow Real Madrid vs Atletico live below!
Real Madrid vs Atletico latest news
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Kick-off time: 8pm GMT, Santiago Bernabeu
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How to watch: TNT Sports
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Real Madrid team news: Bellingham suspended
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Atletico Madrid team news: No Azpilicueta or Koke
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Score prediction
Real Madrid team news
17:45 , George Flood
Real Madrid are hopeful that Federico Valverde will be fit to play tonight after missing Saturday’s shock LaLiga defeat at Real Betis with what manager Carlo Ancelotti described as “discomfort”.
The Uruguayan midfielder, who can also operate brilliantly at right-back, also didn’t play against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at Anoeta last week, but has been back in training and a final decision on his fitness was expected to be taken on Monday.
Los Blancos are again without Jude Bellingham, who completed his two-game LaLiga suspension over the weekend but also has a one-match ban in the Champions League after collecting three yellow cards.
Dani Ceballos is facing a lengthy spell out with a hamstring injury suffered against Sociedad, while Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo are all long-term absentees.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Atletico
17:40 , George Flood
TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1.
It will follow the conclusion of the early kick-off between Club Brugge and Aston Villa in Belgium.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Real Madrid vs Atletico live
17:37 , George Flood
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid in a massive first-leg tie in the Champions League last 16.
The opening clash in the standout showdown of the competition’s knockout stage proper so far comes from the Santiago Bernabeu, where these two rivals played out their second 1-1 draw of the season less than a month ago.
Two points currently separates Atletico in second from third-place Real in LaLiga, with both teams trailing leaders Barcelona in an eventful title race.
Each will be keen to strike a massive psychological blow on the continent tonight ahead of the deciding fixture at Metropolitano Stadium next week.
Kick-off tonight is at 8pm GMT and 9pm CET, so stay tuned throughout the night for our build-up, breaking team news and live game updates.
