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Scoreline: Atletico 0-0 Real
Once again Real fail to get a result against Atletico at the Vicente Calderon as they take a nil all draw back to the Bernabeu. Oblak was a key figure in the first half denying Bale and James on a few occasions. Atletico were dangerous in the second half and had their chances but Real held on themselves. Nil all draw better result for Atletico who are very capable of scoring on the counter against Real away from home. Second leg should be filled with plenty of drama……
The stage is set for a classic as cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid do battle in the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final that should feature plenty of drama. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:45am (AEST).
Since Diego Simeone took the helm as head coach, Atletico Madrid have transformed themselves into one of the most feared teams throughout Europe.
Although they may not possess a superstar roster compared to rivals Real, their defensive discipline and structure has seen them punch well above their weight in recent seasons.
Only a sublime header from Sergio Ramos at the death allowed Real to rescue a 1-1 draw in last year’s Champions League final against Atletico – a match that Real would go on to win 4-1 in extra time.
Since that defeat however, Atletico have faced Real six times and they have won on four occasions, including the double in La Liga. Such a record shows that a team of champion players doesn’t always beat a champion team and Atletico are certainly the latter.
Despite their indifferent form over the past few months, Real have an important advantage with the first leg being played at the Vicente Calderon. If Real can snatch a score draw or a priceless away win, they will be very difficult to defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in a few weeks’ time.
For Atletico to stand a chance of progressing, any win tonight will do them the world of good. A goalless draw would also be a positive given how well Atletico tend to play away from home in big matches.
Given the magnitude of the occasion, all eyes will be on Real superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese no.9 has struggled to leave his mark in games against Atletico and he once again faces a tough ask against a disciplined Atletico defence.
Fernando Torres meanwhile also needs to spark things upfront for Atletico. With Antonio Griezmann in good form, Torres has to do his part against a Real defence that can be pretty vulnerable when placed under pressure.
Overall, a dour contest could await tonight but this tie remains captivating nonetheless. Atletico at home are very difficult to break down and they may just do enough to secure a vital first-leg lead.
Atletico to win 1-0.