Badges of two soccer teams in front of a Champions League trophy.
Real Madrid - Atlético de Madrid | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Real Madrid - Atlético De Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16: Schedules and Dates

The first leg will be at Santiago Bernabéu on March 4 or 5, and the return leg will be at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 11 or 12.

by

Alex Moreno

Real Madrid already knows its opponent in the 2025 UEFA Champions League Round of 16. It will face Atlético de Madrid in an electrifying Madrid classic, a high-voltage clash that promises strong emotions and an intense battle for a ticket to the quarter-finals.

The rivalry between both teams once again moves to the European stage, where Carlo Ancelotti's side will seek to maintain their dominance.

Image of a UEFA knockout stage bracket with teams like PSV, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Atlético, Paris, Liverpool, Club Brugge, Aston Villa, Benfica, Barcelona, Dortmund, Lille, Bayern Munich, Leverkusen, Feyenoord, and Inter, with the title
Champions League Table | UEFA

Real Madrid's Long Road

Real Madrid arrives at this knockout stage after a demanding journey. The Whites had to play the play-off round to the Round of 16 after finishing outside the top eight in the qualifying phase.

In that previous knockout stage, they convincingly overcame Manchester City, achieving a 2-3 victory at the Etihad and sealing it with a resounding 3-1 at Santiago Bernabéu, closing the series with an aggregate of 6-3.

Two players celebrate a goal in front of a crowd of excited fans in a stadium.
Real Madrid celebrating Mbappé's goal | Real Madrid Confidencial

This extra effort could take a toll on Ancelotti's side, although it has also allowed them to reach a very high competitive rhythm.

Atleti Finished Fifth

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid avoided that extra round by finishing among the top eight in the standings. Their campaign in the previous phase left mixed feelings, alternating between convincing victories and unexpected defeats. These were their results:

  • Atlético 2-1 RB Leipzig
  • Benfica 4-0 Atlético de Madrid
  • Atlético 1-3 Lille
  • PSG 1-2 Atlético de Madrid
  • Sparta Prague 0-6 Atlético de Madrid
  • Atlético 3-1 Slovan Bratislava
  • Atlético 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
  • Salzburg 1-4 Atlético de Madrid

Historically, Real Madrid has always emerged victorious when facing the Rojiblancos in the Champions League. The Whites defeated Simeone's side in the 2014 Lisbon and 2016 Milan finals, as well as in other recent knockout stages, so Atlético will seek to break that negative streak.

Players from two soccer teams, one in white uniforms and the other in red and blue uniforms, argue on the field during a match.
Last classic between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid | Real Madrid Confidencial

Schedules and Dates

First Leg: Santiago Bernabéu, March 4 or 5.

Second Leg: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, March 11 or 12.

Real Madrid, with its experience and hierarchy in the Champions League, starts as the favorite in the knockout stage. However, Atlético de Madrid will be a very tough opponent. A clash full of tension, strategy, and football spectacle is expected.

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