Atletico Madrid looked destined to be drawn up against rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 next month.
Los Blancos powered through the playoffs to once again end Manchester City’s European campaign with wins home and away for Carlo Ancelotti.
A 50/50 chance of landing Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the first knockout stage was thrilling script waiting to be written and Ancelotti and Diego Simeone will go again twice more this season.
Both league games have ended in 1-1 draws so far in 2024/25 and Los Blancos are winless in their last five league clashes with Simeone.
However, the record comes in sharp contrast in the Champions League, with Simeone winning just one of six games against his old foes in Europe, including two finals defeats.
Real Madrid eliminated Atletico Madrid in the knockouts rounds back in 2014/15 and 2016/17 but the real low point for Simeone came in the 2014 and 2016 finals.
Sergio Ramos’ late header sent the former final into extra time, as Ancelotti went on to win his first European title in Madrid and it was penalty shootout heartbreak for Simeone in 2016 at the San Siro.
However, Simeone offered up a typically candid response when asked about the weight of history being on his shoulders for two March meetings with Ancelotti.
“I’m going to answer just one question [about the tie], because this Saturday we play Valencia in La Liga and all the focus is on that match,” as per reports Relevo.
“[I’m not thinking about the past or the future] It will be two great matches and we’ll be ready for it.”
Following the trip to Valencia this weekend, Simeone has a testing run of games either side of facing Real Madrid twice, including a Copa del Rey semi final first leg at Barcelona and league clashes with Athletic Club and Getafe.
Breathmagar
0
the same squad that collected 5:2 and 4:0 or what? you people are just funny
same squad same player going to win ucl.thats clear.
Orion126
0
ATM coach .Thinking Before cr7 Now mbappa and this squad this time destroying us like Manchester city
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the same squad that collected 5:2 and 4:0 or what? you people are just funny
Danny670
0
Time for the big masquerade to show it's prowess on the dance floor. The wander metropolitano will wither like dry leaves
Taj_a_war
2
History is really bitter 😂
Jummer
2
Trust me Simeone knows how to beat this Bayern easily but Real Madrid is a nightmare for him the time will tell.
Fewbdnpruy
1
Blaqpablo
0
Have you beaten them this season
FigoRG77
5
16 champions league loading
woodeinsz
1
Real madrid are out
Barca will go out and Madrid will win the trophy. You will see, you think these competition is your referee helping la liga? In La liga your 6 million euro to referees is still working but not UCL
woodeinsz
2
Why is it that any team that is picked to play Real Madrid starts to talk and Bragg but end up loosing, we the men in white are thought not to talk or make predictions before matches.
The-Professor
4
No la Liga referees, Atletico is gone
Breathmagar
5
ATM coach .Thinking Before cr7 Now mbappa and this squad this time destroying us like Manchester city
Maacelmnpz
2
Real madrid are out
remadimnpy
4
no referees gonna help u anymore 🤣🤣🤣
yeuacilpst
3
No la liga referee to save you this time
mameioruyz
5
without biased Laliga referees Atletico Madrid will be out of the champion league.
Imhereforyou
10
This time no la liga referee to rescue Atletico 😂