Arguably the most interesting of the Champions League quarterfinal round matchups is the crosstown rivalry of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Not only is there the element of a local derby involved, but this also recreates last year’s Champions League final, when Real Madrid overcame the side that had just beaten them to the La Liga title and won La Decima, Real’s 10th Champions League title, in the process.
Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid, Champions League 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
A local derby is the highlight of this round of the Champions League, and it should make for an exciting first leg to see who can get a leg up on the other.
This time around, with revenge on their minds and a second straight La Liga title unlikely at this point, Atletico will be throwing absolutely everything they have into causing an upset. They face a mountainous climb to try to overcome Real's sheer advantage of talent, but Carlo Ancelotti can't just rely on his Galacticos to carry the day on their own. Atleti know his side well, and if anyone this side of Barcelona can figure out how to bloody Real's nose, it's the Rojiblacos.
Key player - Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Really, who else could this have been? Real are an elite side for the sheer talent on the roster, but on his day Ronaldo is a force unto himself. At this stage in the Champions League and facing his club’s crosstown rivals, you know Ronaldo is going to be eager to take this match over on his own, so we could see quite a show from the Portuguese megastar. Unless Atletico can find a way to keep him in check, Ronaldo is definitely going to be making his presence felt.
Key Matchup - Koke (Atletico Madrid) vs. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
While these two may not face off directly, depending on where the versatile Koke is utilized in Diego Simeone’s formation, these two will still be vital cogs in their respective club’s play. Both are utilized as key -- if not always fully appreciated -- parts of their sides, serving as supporting elements both in attack and defense in midfield. Both players will be covering a lot of ground and if something good happens for their sides, you know they’ll have a hand -- or foot, rather -- involved in it at some point.
Atletico Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None reported In doubt: None reported
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None reported In doubt: Fabio Coentrao (knee), Sami Khedira (back)
Neither side are terribly battered by injuries at the moment, with only Real having any players listed as questionable, and neither of them having been relied upon as starters. It should probably be noted, however, that both Real and Atletico have several players who only recently returned from various injuries and may not be back at 100 percent just yet.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Vicente Calderon Stadium, Madrid, Spain
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet regional networks, TVA Sports 2 (Canada), TV3, TVE La 1 (Spain), ITV1 (U.K.)
Online: FOX Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 GO, Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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