Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid are preparing for a new chapter in their historic rivalry in the Champions League. This Wednesday, the Metropolitano will be the stage for the second leg of the round of 16, where the red-and-whites will seek to overturn the 2-1 defeat suffered in the first leg at Santiago Bernabéu. However, both teams arrive at the match with doubts and in a form that has caused debate among fans and analysts.
The results haven't favored Atlético de Madrid in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Real Madrid hasn't found their best level in terms of play, despite winning the matches. One of the most critical of both teams has been Manu Carreño, who in his pre-match analysis made it clear that the European classic is "unpredictable."
A Match Without a Clear Favorite
The presenter highlighted that, a week ago, the question was who was arriving better at the 'euroclassic.' However, after the latest matches of both teams, now the debate has changed: "Now we ask ourselves who is arriving worse," he stated emphatically.
Atlético de Madrid arrives after a painful defeat against Getafe (2-1), in a match where they let the victory slip away in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, although they defeated Rayo Vallecano (1-0), left a lackluster impression in the second half and received whistles from their fans at the Bernabéu.
"Madrid won, but there were whistles at the Bernabéu. Atlético was winning 0-1 and ended up losing in stoppage time. The match at the Metropolitano becomes an unpredictable classic," Carreño concluded.
Bernabéu Issues a Warning Before the classic
The atmosphere at Real Madrid isn't the best before the visit to the Metropolitano. The merengue fans showed their discontent after the match against Rayo Vallecano. It is clear that recent setbacks, such as the defeat at Benito Villamarín, have left doubts about Carlo Ancelotti's team's performance.
Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid knows that their fans are their best weapon to try to turn the tie around. The Metropolitano will be a cauldron, and Diego Simeone trusts that his team can repeat memorable performances against the eternal rival.