Atletico Madrid are in quite a difficult spot to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League after losing the first leg to city rival Real Madrid.
Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz’s goals made the difference on the night as the defending champions took the advantage in front of their home fans.
However, Diego Simeone’s side still have a fair chance of upsetting Real Madrid when they meet at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Even though Real Madrid remains the favorite to qualify, Atletico Madrid will look to capitalize on certain factors as they look to knock out the reigning champions.
1. Home Advantage
Atletico’s home ground is always a fortress each time they play Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Rojiblancos are undefeated against Los Blancos in three home meetings against Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid have won two of their last three home matches against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Diego Simeone’s men will need the Wanda Metropolitano to be loud and fierce when they file out against their eternal rivals on Wednesday night.
2. Lethal Attack
The Rojiblancos boast of a formidable attack that is capable of causing damage to any defense in Europe. Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann have been impressive for Atleti this season in the competition as they scored 13 goals so far. Alvarez scored Atleti’s only goal in the first league and will look to do the same or score more in the return fixture. Angel Correa and Marcos Llorente also provide support in attack for Atletico Madrid, which indicates anyone in the team can put the ball in the back of the net.
3. Injury Worries
Atletico Madrid can capitalise on Real Madrid’s injury troubles in the second leg. Dani Ceballos, who has been immense for Los Blancos this season, has been ruled out for two months while Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger remain doubts for the match. Jude Bellingham limped off the pitch in the home win over Rayo Vallecano over the weekend while Rudiger didn’t make the matchday squad.
Real Madrid, on paper, are favorites to qualify but Atletico Madrid appears to be an equal match on the pitch as both teams contest for the quarter-finals ticket on Wednesday night.
