Champions League: Club Atletico de Madrid-Real Madrid Club de Futbol: Madrid city divided into two ahead of Europe's elite cup clash.

 

Champions League returns tonight and Atletico host city rivals at Vicente Calderon.

Real Madrid need a tactical masterclass to overcome Diego Simeone's men.

Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid for the first of the last two meetings this season. Both of them have already played six times this season, a record in Spain for the most matches against an opponent in a season. 

The last time the two met in Europe's most famous competition was back in Lisbon on a memorable final, thanks to Sergio Ramos who turned hero that night. The newly crowned Spanish champions were just one minute away from being European champions. But Sergio Ramos header forced extra time and Bale, Marcelo and Ronaldo ensured the La Decima.

However, the story was different since then. The Madrid has gone one sided this season.

Atletico won the Supper Copa de Espana and snatched the Copa del Rey from defending champions. Morever, they defeated Real in both the Liga outfits, including a 4-0 demolition.

While, past may remain as stories, tonight Ancelotti must bring in a tactical masterclass.

Casillas at goal had been excellent against Rayo. Ramos, Marcelo, Varane and Carvajal must make the back four. If he chose a 4-4-2 formation, then Kroos, Modric, James and Bale must start. Isco and Lucas Silva may also be handed a start. The attack will be lead by their custom Ronaldo and Benzema.

The match is the first leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at Vicente Caldren on 20:45 CET. The reverse fixture will be on April 22 at Santiago Bernabeu.

  

Match Report: Atletico Madrid 4-0 Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid were the broken pieces of puzzles.

 

Defensive errors and lack of attacking mind led to stunning defeat.

Real Madrid had just two shots in 90 minutes.

Real Madrid were sent with agony last night with a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Left without Ramos, Marcelo, Pepe and James, Real Madrid didnt get the grip both in attacking and defending.

In a dry pitch that was unwatered, Atletico completely had the possesion and attacking tips. Their defenders was well kept, denying Ronaldo and Benzema and the midfield performed at its highest. The attacking duo was unstoppable throughout the night and Real's back four without Ramos, Pepe and Marcelo seemed useless.

If any credits went to any Madrid player, it was Kroos. He played his natural game with good crosses and passes and with defends all over the park.

Atletico struck their first from a Tiago strike which went easily through Casillas. Casillas was wasteful throughout the night, unable to catch-hold of a ball.

The lead was doubled after four minutes with a fantastic overhead kick from Saul Niguez who was assisted by Griezmann.

The game was then a bit stable but Madrid couldn't get the better of Moya and the defense.

The lead was increased further with Griezmann tapped in a from a Varane error. The defender could have smashed the ball for a corner instead of leaving it for Griezmann.

The last one came from Mandzukic with a poor marking from Nacho and Varane leading the Croatian make a diving header.

With loss, Madrid a point top of Barca if they win over Athletic Bilbao.    

Match Preview: Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid: Los Blancos' look for first win against Rojiblancos'.

 

Carlo Ancelotti will look to get back to winning ways against Diego Simeone.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns tonight after two-match ban.

Real Madrid will look to extend 10 point-lead over La Liga champions in a tough challenge.

Real will miss Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, both of them picked injuries last match, alongside other centre-back Pepe who was taken off the last time they met. Marcelo will also miss tonight's game due to suspension.

Marcelo picked up his fifth yellow of the season against Sevilla after a foul on Vilito. Although, Marcelo said he didn't touch latter, his appeal was rejected.

Nacho and Coentrao will start alongside Varane and Carvajal. Isco, Bale, Kroos and Khedira or Illara may be the midfield package.

Ronaldo, who has returned from suspension after picking up a red against Cordoba, and Benzema, who is at good form, must be the possible attacking duo. 

Above lineup will be possible only if the formation is 4-4-2. Bale may turn to right wing if the formation is 4-3-3.

Real had lost three and drew five of their meetings this season, resulting in Supper Copa defeat, Copa del Rey exit and La Liga loss in first meeting.

Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid at Vicente Calderon at Saturday, 16:00 CET.   

Real Madrid-Atletico Madrid: Whites look to round off two goal chase in a high class test

  

Atletico Madrid 2-0 Real Madrid aggregate.

Real Madrid must either give it all or forgetting the treble.

If Madrid really is the best club in the world, they must prove it tonight. Carlo Ancelloti's greatest match as a Whites' coach may be tonight.

Fresh from Balon d'Or win, Cristiano Ronaldo must be giving his personal best with his new specially designed silver-gray Mercurial. Meanwhile, Ramos must be aware of a card and Pepe must do his best.

Marcelo and Carvajal has got the wingback job. Isco, James and Kroos; definitely, the midfield option tonight. And finally Benzema should recall his form at the month of October and Bale must be ready to playmake rather than going for something himself.

Atletico, meanwhile may be going for something simple. Having a two goal lead is something like drinking coffee of a hundred bucks. 

Defend hardest, Score in set-pieces, and repeat .

Defending is also important for Real. One more goal for Diego Simeone would make him decide for tactics against Barca in next round.

Real Madrid last 5 games:

W W L L W

Atletico Madrid last 5 games:

W W W W W

The match will start at 20:00 CET at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

A

"I ask Bale to score and get assists" - Ancelotti

  

"Running is no problem for Bale".

The Italian has shut reporter's mouth after questioning Bale's form this season.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti hit back at reporters after the Italian was asked on Bale.

The ex-PSG coach  said that Bale knows to "run" and he didn't want to explain more to the Welshman. Bale came to the Spanish capital last season for a record 100-million and Ancelotti said that Bale knows how important it is to work hard and to get a starting place in XI.

Isco is currently in starting XI for Bale. And the Spaniard has been in impressive form this season. However, Ancelotti has said that he wants goals and assists from Bale and also said that rotation would take place in the squad.

"I ask Bale to score and get assists and do what he did last year. Running is no problem for Bale. I dont have to tell him like others. They knew it".

"If someone has to be left out to give up a place for Bale, I'll tell him it's nothing definitive. Rotation is normal at this time.Whoever doesnt play tomorrow, will play next game."

Ancelotti also expressed that his side wont change plans against Rayo. He also said that he just don't like such teams.

"I don't like teams that change their ideas against some opponents. Rayo are a great example of Spanish football," he added.

"I'm worried that there are too many compliments. That means that, when things aren't going well, there will be too much criticism. The season is very long."