Official Statement From Real Madrid and Luka Modric Just Hours Before the Match of the Year

Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid will face each other at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the Champions League Round of 16. Both teams arrive in different dynamics to this important knockout round, especially affected by what happened in the last LaLiga matchday. Many Madridists fear that the defeat against Real Betis will affect their prospects in the top continental competition, one of the most important objectives for the white club each season.

Apart from the tactical and purely sporting calculations, both Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid have issued a striking official statement together with the National Police for this match. The official X social media account of the National Police has published a video featuring a reminder led by a footballer from each club.

"Tonight, in the Champions match between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, the National Police will ensure the safety of all attendees", the video begins. The officer starring in these images holds a Champions League ball, which he kicks to land right in the hands of Luka Modric, who takes the floor.

The Croatian midfielder, in training clothes with the Valdebebas Sports City in the background, makes the message very clear: "we are rivals, not enemies". The first captain of Real Madrid, with that brief and forceful message, calls for harmony and sportsmanship among the white club's fans and the followers of the colchonero entity.

Unequivocal and Unambiguous Message

After those words, Luka Modric does the same with a ball that Jorge Resurrección receives. Known as  "Koke", the veteran Atlético de Madrid player makes a very clear distinction for the first leg of the Round of 16 at Santiago Bernabéu.  "Don't confuse passion with violence," the current '6' of the red and white team states.

This surprising and particular official statement from both captains ends with words from the National Police officer: "enjoy the match and respect". The request from the law enforcement in our country, as well as the reminder from Luka Modric and 'Koke', is a very powerful message for a high-risk match. Because not only is the possibility of advancing to the quarterfinals of the Champions League at stake.

The heated rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid is long-standing, a history that comes into play in every Madrid classic regardless of the competition. In this case, those feelings are heightened to their fullest expression because everyone wants to win the Champions League. Real Madrid seeks to defend the title won last season, while Atlético de Madrid continues to dream of the First.

Only one of these two Spanish capital rivals will advance to the next round. The coaching staff knows that a good match at the white stadium could significantly influence the final result of the knockout stage. Thus, Carlo Ancelotti will field his best players in search of a convincing result that provides some peace of mind for the visit to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next week.