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.
Alan
Roar Guru
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...... Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Well once again Atletico prove that they have the recipe to shut down Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar yet again quite tonight. Atletico eager to hold on now. Nil all feels like a win for them. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Added time now. Real will be frustrated with the nil all draw given the chances they have had particularly in the first half. Torres fouled now and that should be a freekick. Real with possession. Ronaldo with a shot that is easily saved by Oblak. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE ATLETICO Mandzukic with a shot that is blocked and the fans screaming handball. Real under pressure over the past few minutes. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Marcelo yellow carded and he will miss the next match for Real! That is a blow or Real. Marcelo has been in great form. Ball now comes into the area. Chaos follows as Casillas struggles to clear! Corner again chaotic! Real do clear eventually! CHANCE ATLETICO Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Torres with space here to attack. Sergio Ramos stops Torres from causing more trouble. Corner. Real get the freekick. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Once again another stalemate likely here. Real with a corner. Modric on the volley shoots but his effort over the bar. Worth a try. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Mario Suarez is out of the second leg due to his booking. Arbeloa is on for Real now. Carvajal the player off. Atletico 0 Real 0
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
The ref trying to get Mario Suarez to come back to book him was the most entertaining thing I've seen in weeks
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Well done Ramos yet again at the back to get out of trouble. Isco now fouled. Yellow card for Mario Suarez. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Torres now comes on for Koke. Simeone leaving on Mandzukic despite the yellow next to the Croatian's name. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Real now forced to do some defending here as Atletico get possession out wide. Corner. Poor delivery headed away by Marcelo. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Great run from Arda Turan! He just kept getting past players before laying off a through ball that Real eventually clear nervously! Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Yellow card for Raul Garcia and Sergio Ramos. Ten minutes plus added time for either side to make a statement here... Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Griezmann comes off for Raul Garcia. Simeone eager to keep the clean sheet. Ball into the area but Real get the goal kick. Atletico asking some questions now. Real up to the challenge. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Benzema is off for Isco. Really feel that Torres should be coming on for Mandzukic who is on a yellow card. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Ball given away. Koke with a cross but its a poor one. Varane heads the ball away. Real with a chance to attack now. Poor ball from James. Real press well. Atletico win the freekick. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Mandzukic on yellow card should be coming off if Simeone wants to avoid the risk of going down to ten men. Home fans on edge. Real build from the back again. Atletico with numbers back. Atletico 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Corner for Real. High foot against Kroos. Freekick for Atletico. Home side yet to fashion a clear chance tonight. Casillas enjoying his evening. Atletico 0 Real 0