Germany soccer icon Lothar Matthaus believes Actual Madrid will come out on high in opposition to Atletico Madrid of their UEFA Champions League spherical of 16 conflict.
The 2 Madrid giants haven’t confronted one another within the competitors since 2017, however their upcoming encounter is ready to revive a fierce rivalry that noticed them meet 4 occasions in simply 4 years between 2014 and 2017.
This conflict brings again reminiscences of the earlier high-stakes conferences between the 2 sides, notably within the Champions League finals.
Actual Madrid secured victory on each events—successful 4-1 in further time in 2014 after which prevailing on penalties in 2016.
Apparently, the managers from that period stay the identical, with Carlo Ancelotti nonetheless in command of Los Blancos and Diego Simeone main Atletico. Their deep information of one another’s ways will add an intriguing layer to this encounter.
“I’d have most well-liked to see a global match at this stage fairly than the Madrid derby. The 2 giants have already met twice within the Champions League last and on each events there was an excellent battle,” mentioned Matthaus.
Actual Madrid will beat Atletico
Regardless of just a few setbacks within the group stage, the place Madrid misplaced three matches and needed to depend on the playoffs, they managed to rise to the event when it mattered most.
Their efficiency in opposition to Manchester Metropolis was a transparent instance of how they thrive underneath strain. Matthaus expects them to keep up that degree and ebook their place within the quarter-finals.
Atletico, nonetheless, should not a group to be underestimated. Their preventing spirit and depth, particularly on the Estadio Metropolitano, have precipitated bother for opponents prior to now.
“Within the Champions League, Actual Madrid misplaced 3 times within the league section and subsequently needed to resort to the playoffs.
“However in opposition to Manchester Metropolis, Actual Madrid had been as much as the duty. As all the time, when it issues. That’s why I believe Actual Madrid will make it to the quarter-finals. However Atletico will give it their all once more,” added the Germany legend.
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