Atlético de Madrid faces one of the season's great challenges tonight by visiting Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. The red-and-whites approach this commitment after overtaking their rival in the LaLiga standings last weekend, something much discussed. The Madrid team fell in their visit to Real Betis, while the colchoneros secured a vital victory against Athletic Club at home.
Obviously, none of those clashes will have anything to do with what will happen at Santiago Bernabéu, as it will be a very demanding duel for both. Initially, it seems that Simeone would have only one doubt in his starting line-up, although they trained in two different groups yesterday in Majadahonda. The most recent precedents clearly show the equality that exists between both squads, having drawn in the two rounds played in the domestic championship.
Simeone Must Make a Decision
At Atlético de Madridthey are aware that they will face tonight's match at a time of maximum equality with their eternal rival. The whites are going through a bad moment, achieving one victory in LaLiga in the last five matches they have played, showing a lot of weakness in defense. In fact, the red-and-white team already had chances to win at Santiago Bernabéu, but they didn't manage to have clarity in the final meters.
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Regarding the line-up, everything points to Simeone betting on the usual starters, with a doubt on the left wing. Initially, Conor Gallagher would surpass Samuel Lino and be chosen to help Javi Galán, who has struggled against very demanding opponents. Already in the last match against Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé's equalizer would originate on that same wing after a great personal play by Rodrygo Goes.
Julián Alvarez Wants to Sting Again
In positive news, the Argentine forward is in great form, having reached 21 goals this season after scoring last Saturday. He already knows what it's like to score at Santiago Bernabéu, opening the scoring in the last Madrid classic after a clear penalty that was reviewed in the VAR. He even scored against Thibaut Courtois when he was still playing for Manchester City, that time in the Champions League.
Marcos Llorente will also regain his starting position at right-back, as will Josema Giménez, both having come off the bench against Athletic Club. Carlo Ancelotti will have more problems, as he will have significant absences and the uncertainty of whether Fede Valverde is 100% fit to start. The Uruguayan has muscle problems and already had to miss the match against Real Betis, in addition to not having trained with his teammates.