Atletico Madrid appeared destined to be drawn up towards rivals Actual Madrid within the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16 subsequent month.
Los Blancos powered by the playoffs t
A 50/50 likelihood of touchdown Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen within the first knockout stage was thrilling script ready to be written
Each league video games have led to 1-1 attracts thus far in 2024/25 and Los Blancos are winless of their final 5 league clashes with Simeone.
Nevertheless, the document is available in sharp distinction within the Champions League, with Simeone successful simply one in every of six video games towards his previous foes in Europe, together with two finals defeats.
Actual Madrid eradicated Atletico Madrid within the knockouts rounds again in 2014/15 and 2016/17 however the true low level for Simeone got here within the 2014 and 2016 finals.
Sergio Ramos’ late header despatched the previous ultimate into further time, as Ancelotti went on to win his first European title in Madrid and it was penalty shootout heartbreak for Simeone in 2016 on the San Siro.
Nevertheless, Simeone provided up a usually candid response when requested concerning the weight of historical past being on his shoulders for 2 March conferences with Ancelotti.
“I’m going to reply only one query [about the tie], as a result of this Saturday we play Valencia in La Liga and all the main focus is on that match,” as per experiences .
“[I’m not thinking about the past or the future] Will probably be two nice matches and we’ll be prepared for it.”
Following the journey to Valencia this weekend, Simeone has a testing run of video games both facet of going through Actual Madrid twice, together with a Copa del Rey semi ultimate first leg at Barcelona and league clashes with Athletic Membership and Getafe.