Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Match Preview & Live Streaming, 5 March 2025

A thrilling Madrid derby awaits as Real Madrid faces Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on March 5, 2025, at 1:30 AM (IST). This showdown takes place at the iconic International 2024/2025 stadium. It’s a first-leg clash featuring two of Spain’s most storied football giants. Real Madrid comes into this match with great momentum, having recently defeated Manchester City 3-1. Their b attack, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe, who has already netted four goals in this season’s Champions League, looks formidable.

On the other side, Atletico Madrid, guided by the seasoned Diego Simeone, approaches the game with a resilient albeit inconsistent form in the league. The recent history between these teams shows a pattern of draws, with their last five meetings ending level. This underscores how tense and balanced the competition might be in this top-tier European contest.

Given their current form and home advantage, Real Madrid are seen as the favorites in this matchup. They have shown consistent strength in European knockouts and have a history of success against Atletico Madrid. Their recent performances further cement their status as a formidable adversary.

Nevertheless, Atletico Madrid should not be underestimated. They have a reputation for b defense and can secure results in pressure situations, despite some struggles when on the road.

Overall, the odds are in favor of Real Madrid either winning or drawing, given their consistent home performances and dynamic attack. Betting on Real Madrid to win or draw provides good value, considering their home ground advantage and offensive firepower.

Real Madrid Team Analysis

Real Madrid Recent Performance

Real Madrid enters this clash in b form, with four wins and one draw in their last five matches. A notable highlight was their 3-1 win against Manchester City. During this period, they’ve scored 17 goals while allowing 6. Their offense, driven by Kylian Mbappe, is formidable.

Their Champions League outings thus far have been impressive, winning seven out of ten knockout stage matches. Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, they’ve been averaging 2.60 goals per match, showcasing their attacking flair. Additionally, their ball possession stands at a solid 59%.

Recent Matches	Result
Real Madrid vs Manchester City	3-1 (Win)
Real Madrid vs Girona	2-0 (Win)
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid	1-0 (Win)
Real Betis vs Real Madrid	2-1 (Loss)
Osasuna vs Real Madrid	1-1 (Draw)

Real Madrid Key Players

Kylian Mbappe leads Real Madrid’s attack. As their top scorer this season, his pace and finishing make him a constant threat. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo add creativity and speed from the wings, enhancing their attacking options.

In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are vital for both defense and transition. They control the game’s rhythm. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois, with his experience, solidifies their defense as an elite goalkeeper.

Brahim Díaz adds technical skill, often opening up tough defenses with insightful passes and vision.

Real Madrid Suspensions & Injuries

Real Madrid faces some injury challenges which may impact their strategy. Key absentees include:

• Daniel Carvajal is out due to a cruciate ligament injury, expected back in early September 2025.
• Éder Militão is dealing with a similar issue and is set to return in late December 2025.
• Daniel Ceballos has a hamstring injury and should be back by mid-April 2025.
• Jesús Vallejo has a muscle injury, likely returning by mid-March 2025.

Player	Injury Type	Expected Return Date
Daniel Carvajal	Cruciate ligament injury	Early September 2025
Éder Militão	Cruciate ligament injury	Late December 2025
Daniel Ceballos	Hamstring Injury	Mid April 2025
Jesús Vallejo	Muscle injury	Mid March 2025

Real Madrid Tactics and Formation

Real Madrid is expected to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, leveraging their star-studded squad for attacking creativity. Thibaut Courtois will be the man between the posts. In defense, Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio provide stability.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga perform crucial roles as double pivots, focusing on defense and distribution. Brahim Díaz, positioned centrally, feeds passing lanes flanked by Rodrygo on the right and Vinicius Junior on the left.

At the forefront is Kylian Mbappe, ready to exploit any defensive lapses with his skill and speed.

Atletico Madrid Team Analysis

Atletico Madrid Recent Performance

Atletico Madrid has had varied results in their last five matches, securing two wins and three draws. A notable clash was their 4-4 match with Barcelona, showcasing their offensive capabilities.

Progressing from the Champions League league phase with six wins out of eight matches, they have maintained a goal-scoring rate of around 2.50 goals per game—an indicator of their balanced approach.

Their recent LaLiga engagements against teams like Real Madrid highlight their competitiveness, with Julian Alvarez contributing significantly to their attack.

Recent Matches	Result
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club	1-0 (Win)
Barcelona vs Atletico	4-4 (Draw)
Valencia vs Atletico	0-3 (Win)
Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo	1-1 (Draw)
Real Madrid vs Atletico	1-1 (Draw)

Atletico Madrid Key Players

Jan Oblak stands b in goal, bringing essential experience and leadership. Antoine Griezmann remains a key offensive player, known for his creativity and goal-scoring talents.

Julián Álvarez is crucial upfront, showing commendable recent form crucial for their attack. Marcos Llorente’s flexibility allows him to efficiently link defense and midfield.

Pablo Barrios is gaining attention with his rising influence in the midfield. Robin Le Normand and José Giménez anchor the defense, a foundation of Simeone’s game-plan.

Atletico Madrid Suspensions & Injuries

Atletico manages their squad carefully with these key absences:

• Koke is sidelined with a muscle injury and hopes to return by mid-March 2025.
• Cesar Azpilicueta is uncertain for the derby due to physical discomfort.

Player	Injury Type	Expected Return Date
Koke	Muscle injury	Mid March 2025
Cesar Azpilicueta	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

Atletico Madrid Tactics and Formation

Atletico often lines up in a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing a b, organized defense. José Giménez is key in defense. In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul and Pablo Barrios hold the fort and manage transitions.

Giuliano Simeone and Samuel Dias Lino are skilled at providing wing support, joining the forward line of Griezmann and Alvarez, crucial for fast counter-attacks.

Their setup is known for its defensive solidity and efficient counter-attacks, aiming to exploit opportunities against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Head-to-Head Statistics

This rivalry’s recent history showcases closely-fought matches, with the last five meetings all ending in draws. This balanced record reflects their equal standing in Spain’s football landscape.

Real Madrid’s Champions League track record does give them an edge, backed by victories over Atletico in past encounters. Their latest clash on February 8, 2025, in LaLiga, ended 1-1, continuing the series of even contests.

These tightly contested past encounters signal intense and hard-fought battles, a theme common in their history across various competitions.

Last 5 Meetings	Result
Real Madrid vs Atletico	1-1 (Draw)
Atletico vs Real Madrid	1-1 (Draw)
Real Madrid vs Atletico	1-1 (Draw)
Atletico vs Real Madrid*	2-2* (Atletico won ET)
Real Madrid vs Atletico*	3-3* (Real won ET)

Venue and Weather

The match unfolds in Madrid’s iconic ground, promising a dramatic encounter enriched by passionate local support. The Madrid derby is always a coveted fixture by fans and players alike.

Forecasts suggest a temperature near 10°C, creating a cool, overcast setting ideal for maintaining players’ energy and performance during this elite European match.

The wind is expected to be minimal, allowing precise long-passes and crossing plays. The overcast skies might make the pitch slick, benefitting Real Madrid’s style of quick passing.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid UEFA Champions League Live Streaming

You can catch the UEFA Champions League last-16 match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid on the Sony Sports Network. If you prefer streaming, it’ll also be available live on Sony LIV. The match kicks off at 1:30 AM IST on March 5.