No more postponing decisions, calculating, waiting, measuring strength, guarding - everything will be resolved tonight.
If it seemed that in the first match at the Santiago Bernabeu, when Real led 2:1, both teams decided to play with less risk, so as not to cause any major damage before the second leg, then in Atletico's home, everything is expected to explode, to play a game "to the bare kings".
Whether the King will be naked, or continue their championship mission in their favorite competition, will depend a lot on the home team.
Atletico are preparing a big revenge on Real for all their suffering in the Champions League. There's been a lot of it in the last 10 years, but it's always ended in Real's favor - two finals, one after extra time, the other after penalties, another quarter-final...
The advantage is now on Real's side ahead of the big match at the "Wanda Metropolitano" stadium - because of the one goal advantage, but also because of the calmness, the amazing self-confidence that the team has. Carlo Ancelotti there is in this competition.
Atletico, however, never gives up, the Italian coach knows that well...
- I believe in my players, I believe in this team - said the Atleti coach Diego Simeone journalists.
- I absolutely understand their heart, their desire. I have no doubt that they will do everything to stay in the Champions League. Our goal is to play in the final.
Real took the lead in the 4th minute of the first match with a goal Rodrigo, Julian Alvarez equalized in a spectacular way already in the first half. The home team won the match in the second half. Brahim Dias, in a period of the game when Atletico was better.
- Football has different scenarios that happen during the game. We will go through difficult moments... The composure and quality of the players will decide. The game will go like that - added Simeone.
The Argentine hopes the Champions League derby will inspire his young players, urging them to keep their composure as the crowd pushes them forward.
- We will have fantastic support, but the reality is what happens on the pitch. We will not win because of what happens in the stands. We have to play a great game. I would ask the young players if they ever imagined playing in games like this, they would probably say no. That is the most beautiful thing, the youth starting to gain experience in matches like this.
At Real Madrid, on the other hand, there was a bit of a stir yesterday, because Killian Mbape sat out most of the training session due to a muscle problem.
Ancelotti, as usual, was calm, although at the press conference he was simply bombarded with questions about the injury status and form of his best striker.
- I have more than 11 players for this match, those who don't play will also contribute in some shape or form... A well-made change can make the difference - said the Italian.
Real Madrid is leading heading into the second leg, and it's clear they will try to score at least one goal tonight.
- The derby is always uncertain. Sometimes we win, sometimes they win. It will be the same tonight. It will be decided by the small details.
Whoever advances will play in the quarter-finals against Arsenal, who beat PSV 7-1 in the first leg in the Netherlands.
- The goal is the quarter-finals. No, we didn't practice penalties, practicing penalties is not easy. We're not thinking about that right now. We're thinking about how to play the game well - Ancelotti emphasized.
Aston Villa also has one foot in the quarterfinals, they need to finish the job tonight against Club Brugge (they won 3:1 away), and it will be uncertain in France, where Lille and Borussia Dortmund are starting from scratch (1:1).
Bonus video:
