Champions League: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid Picks — Reigning Champions to Fall at Early Stage? (Mar 12)

A fascinating second leg in the Champions League is set for March 12, 2025, as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid collide for the second time in seven days.

Los Blancos hold the narrow advantage after registering a 2-1 success in their home leg last week. However, they missed some big chances in the final stages, which could come back to haunt them.

The result appeared to favor Atletico, as Diego Simeone went very defensive in the closing stages, as he looked appeased with the narrow defeat ahead of this home leg on Wednesday.

Odds

Atleti Winless in Four Against Real

Atletico Madrid are winless in their last four against Real Madrid. However, it could be worth noting that three of the matches over this sequence have ended in draws.

Atletico have won two of their last four home matches against Real, which includes a 3-1 success in September 2023.

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid Key Stats

• Real Madrid’s win last week saw them become the first team to reach 300 victories in the European Cup/Champions League.
• Los Blancos have recorded wins in their last five knockout stage matches, and they have gone ten without defeat.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Cesar Azpilicueta remains out for the hosts, as the defender isn’t likely to return until the end of March. Koke is also out due to a leg injury.

Possible Lineup

J. Oblak (GK); M. Llorente, J. Gimenez, C. Lenglet, J. Galan, G, Simeone, R. De Paul, P. Barrios, S. Lino, A. Griezmann, J. Alvarez

Real Madrid Team News

Jude Bellingham returns from suspension for the second leg on Wednesday. However, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal both remain unavailable due to respective injuries.

Possible Lineup

T. Courtois (GK); F. Valverde, A. Rudiger, R. Asencio, F. Mendy, Rodrygo, A. Tchouameni, E. Camavinga, J. Bellingham, K. Mbappe, V. Junior

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid Picks

Despite making a slow start in the first leg, Atletico stifled Real’s attacking players in the first leg, and ensured that they had limited service.

That defensive structure will be required once again in this second leg. Meanwhile, Atletico’s excellent attacking record in home matches ensures that they should have the ability to at least force extra time against the defending European champions.