Simeone names the key factor that could decide Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid will play their third derby of the 2024/25 season on Tuesday night as they take on neighbours Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

The Merengues have played out two draws in their previous meetings against Diego Simeone’s side this season and will be hoping for a better result tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu, knowing that the second leg at the Metropolitano will not be easy.

Ahead of the derby tomorrow, Atletico Madrid boss Simeone addressed the media and spoke about what the match meant for everyone involved, saying:

“It’s a match filled with a lot of respect, against a great rival. I understand that they respect us in the same way. If it were a team from another league we wouldn’t touch these issues. For the city it is spectacular,” he said.

“For Spain, to be able to have a team from Spain in the quarter-finals…. And for us who are going to play, to enjoy it. It’s a very important moment, with a very respected opponent.”

When asked about what would be the key factor which might decide the tie, Simeone replied:

“A match of this calibre is full of small details, the knockout stages are already familiar to both Madrid and us and yes, the details are decisive.”

The minor details will be the key, reckons Simeone. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

On who he thinks is the favourite to win, Simeone noted: “I don’t understand the word ‘favourite’. We’re up against an opponent we respect.

“We know what our strengths are, we’re going to use them and we’ll try to take the game to where we can hurt them.”

With the second leg set to be played at their home, Simeone was asked if Atletico planned to return unscathed from the Santiago Bernabeu or go for a statement victory. In response, he said:

“The two situations you mention are related, I can’t see any difference between the two.”

Commenting on the level of the big three teams of Spain – Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico – Simeone stated:

“I have always placed Barcelona and Madrid where they are because of their history. We, on the other hand, represent pure growth, which is something truly beautiful.”

Discussing Real Madrid’s history in the UEFA Champions League, he added: “History exists, and Madrid’s history in the Champions League is extraordinary. Tomorrow we will have another chance for sure.”

Source: AS