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.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
I would like them to come last of the 4, but I think it unlikely. I would love to see Bayern win, but that seems equally unlikely.
Alan
Roar Guru
Gee I think Juventus are a great side capable of beating any of the other three. Location of first leg of course will be vital.
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
I sure as eggs do!
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Everyone will want Juve.
Alan
Roar Guru
Gee its a quality last four in the Champions League Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Juventus. Two cracking ties coming up.
Alan
Roar Guru
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. Real 1 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
95' - Atletico have to change their game plan if they are to be more competitive in these competitions. Far too defensive over the course of the two legs and they have finally paid the price. To be fair they don't have the budget of a Real or Barca. FULLTIME Real 1 Atletico 0
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
"... Unless the team of champions is very very good."
Alan
Roar Guru
94' - Isco now off for Real. For all his success against Real this season, once again Simeone can't get past Real on the biggest stage of all. Real will go on with seconds remaining. Real 1 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Of course if Atletico manage to score here they would be the team going through on away goals. Need a small miracle like the one Ramos performed for Real last season in the final. Real 1 Atletico 0
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
How soft can a professional athlete be that he gets subbed off with cramp?
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Real now wasting all the time in the world here. Jese comes on for Hernandez. Atletico though just haven't created enough to warrant a place in the next round. Real the better team I have to admit. Real 1 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
It was a great one two from James and Ronaldo and the Portuguese player found himself in the area with space and did well to find Hernandez who scores another huge goal for Real Real 1 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Well once again in the game that truly counts Real are going to get on top of Atletico in a season where Real have failed to secure a win against their rivals in seven matches! Real 1 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Ronaldo with the assist in the area as he plays the square ball for Hernandez who was never going to miss from in front!!!!! The deciding goal surely!!!! Real 1 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Ronaldo meanwhile has had his chances particularly in the first half but couldn't convert. Oblak now claims the ball in the area. Hernandez now scores!!!!! GOAL REAL Real 1 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Atletico playing for extra time here. Gimenez coming on for Tiago as Atletico make their second change. Real 0 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Corner for Real. Ball headed wide of goal by Pepe. We are well into the championship rounds. Just repeating that Atletico are a man down. Arda Turan sent off. Real 0 Atletico 0
Alan
Roar Guru
They have had their chances Real but haven't been able to convert tonight. Pretty wasteful to be honest. 82' - James with a low drive from distance but Oblak saves easily. Real 0 Atletico 0
Stevo
Roar Rookie
High farce this morning. Grown men moaning and writhing on the ground trying to get their opponents sent off. Rubbish.