Manolo Lama Reveals Why Real Madrid Will Eliminate Atleti in Champions: 'today...'

The draw for the final bracket of this edition of the Champions League, the first with the revamped format proposed by UEFA, has resulted in a challenging matchup for Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti's players, aiming to reach the quarter-finals, will need to defeat Atlético de Madrid in a two-legged match that will be of extremely high competitive tension.

This matchup has already sparked all kinds of analyses and opinions due to the complex history both clubs have in recent seasons. 'Cholo' Simeone's tactical approaches have generally been more successful than Carlo Ancelotti's schemes. Nevertheless, some believe that the white club will prevail this time in this double Madrid classic.

One who supports and maintains this theory is Manolo Lama. The veteran journalist believes that "Madrid's players are more accustomed, with all due respect to those of Atleti and Barça" to a different competitive rhythm. "Not to playing Wednesday and Sunday because everyone plays them", clarifies the COPE commentator, but to "playing many matches on consecutive Wednesdays and Sundays".

Although "Barça plays well, no one denies it", Lama considers that "Mbappé, Vinícius, Rodrygo, Bellingham today make you win more matches" than their blaugrana and Colchonero counterparts. Thus, the difference of Real Madrid compared to its national rivals would be very clear in the rhythm that its great stars can offer in the best soccer stages.

Important Matches

The Champions League round of 16 seems to be one of those occasions according to Manolo Lama. In addition to the very tight fight for the LaLiga leadership, which is currently held by FC Barcelona, the top three in Spain have chances to reach the final in Munich. Real Madrid, especially after eliminating Manchester City with guarantees, is once again a favorite to lift the 'Orejona' once more.

But it won't have an easy path. Its first opponent is Atlético de Madrid itself, a two-legged match that will demand a lot from Carlo Ancelotti's players and will kick off the most important stretch of the current season. At the same time, the key LaLiga matchdays and the Copa del Rey semifinals will be played.

The goal would be set on the achievement of the first treble in the club's history, a milestone that would greatly boost the morale of the white players for the Club World Cup. This tournament, organized by FIFA, will start in mid-June and has become a top priority for the board led by Florentino Pérez.

Not only for the prize money for the winner, over 100 million euros, but for the possibility of once again becoming world champions... taking the title away from Manchester City. Real Madrid has the opportunity, despite its defeat in the Spanish Super Cup, to achieve a historic season.