Roar Guru
Scoreline: Real 1-0 Atletico
Atletico once again suffer a heartbreaking Champions League defeat to Real who continue to stay on track for a Champions League defence. Real played the better football and created by far the better chances overall across the two ties. Even without Modric, Bale, Benzema or Marcelo, Real still caused trouble with James, Hernandez and Ronaldo upfront. Hernandez eventually scored from close range and Atletico were never going to get back in the contest with just minutes remaining. Real are going to be tough to beat after going through a difficult period.
After a goalless first leg, rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid look set to play out another memorable derby in pursuit of a place in the Champions League semi-finals. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:45am (AEST).
Despite producing their best performance against Atletico this season, Real still failed to score at the Vicente Calderon last week as both teams played out a nil-all draw.
Gareth Bale, who will miss tonight’s contest through injury, came closest to scoring for Real after a rare defensive error saw the Welshman go clean through on goal, only to be denied by a great save from Jan Oblak.
Indeed Oblak was the key figure for Atletico in last week’s first leg, producing some vital saves to keep strikes from Bale and James Rodriguez away from goal.
Overall, Real will be frustrated not to have scored an away goal in the first leg and such failure could cost them dearly tonight.
A victory or a score draw will be enough for Atletico to progress on the away goals rule. Their task has been made slightly easier courtesy of the absences of Bale, Luka Modric and Marcelo.
With some key attacking players missing, Real trio Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema will be tasked with breaking down an Atletico defence that ranks as the most difficult to play through in the world.
Atletico will invariably play very compact in a bid to force Real out wide, but this does carry certain risks because Real invariably found great space down their right in the first leg. If Real are given time to whip in good crosses for Ronaldo and company, Atletico’s defensive play will cost them a goal or two.
As for Atletico’s attack, the midfield duo of Koke and Arda Turan will have to produce strong performances if they hope to trouble Real’s defence. The inclusion of Fernando Torres may also prove vital as the tie draws to a close.
While Real start favourites, the absence of in-form players Modric and Marcelo hurts their cause, and Atletico have proved time and again that they possess the belief and discipline to snatch a result against their great rivals away from home.
Real and Atletico to draw 1-1.