Atletico Madrid seemed destined to be drawn up in opposition to rivals Actual Madrid within the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16 subsequent month.
Los Blancos powered via the playoffs t
A 50/50 likelihood of touchdown Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen within the first knockout stage was thrilling script ready to be written
Each league video games have resulted in 1-1 attracts to date in 2024/25 and Los Blancos are winless of their final 5 league clashes with Simeone.
Nonetheless, the file is available in sharp distinction within the Champions League, with Simeone successful simply considered one of six video games in opposition to his outdated foes in Europe, together with two finals defeats.
Actual Madrid eradicated Atletico Madrid within the knockouts rounds again in 2014/15 and 2016/17 however the true low level for Simeone got here within the 2014 and 2016 finals.
Sergio Ramos’ late header despatched the previous last into further time, as Ancelotti went on to win his first European title in Madrid and it was penalty shootout heartbreak for Simeone in 2016 on the San Siro.
Nonetheless, Simeone provided up a usually candid response when requested concerning the weight of historical past being on his shoulders for 2 March conferences with Ancelotti.
“I’m going to reply only one query [about the tie], as a result of this Saturday we play Valencia in La Liga and all the main target is on that match,” as per stories .
“[I’m not thinking about the past or the future] It will likely be two nice matches and we’ll be prepared for it.”
Following the journey to Valencia this weekend, Simeone has a testing run of video games both aspect of going through Actual Madrid twice, together with a Copa del Rey semi last first leg at Barcelona and league clashes with Athletic Membership and Getafe.