Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid Preview, Prediction and Betting tip: 12/3/2025

On March 12, 2025, Atlético Madrid will host Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Real Madrid holds a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter between these city rivals.

Recent Form and Tactical Insights

Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, has shown resilience in recent matches. They secured a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, temporarily placing them atop LaLiga. Simeone emphasized the importance of maintaining focus ahead of the Champions League clash, praising players like Julián Álvarez for their impactful performances.

Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, approaches the derby with confidence. Ancelotti expressed enthusiasm about facing Simeone again, acknowledging the competitive nature of Madrid derbies and highlighting the tactical challenges posed by Atlético.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Historically, Real Madrid has had the upper hand in European competitions against Atlético. Notably, they emerged victorious in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals. In their most recent encounter on March 4, 2025, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win in the first leg of this Round of 16 tie. citeturn0news38

Prediction

Given the closely contested nature of recent Madrid derbies and the slim advantage held by Real Madrid, a draw seems a plausible outcome for the second leg. Both teams possess strong defensive structures and tactical acumen, which could lead to a balanced match.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid. This result would see Real Madrid progress to the quarter-finals, courtesy of their aggregate lead.