Champions League: Atletico Madrid take on city rivals Real Madrid in first Quarter-Final

Europe's elite football tournament, UEFA Champions League, resumes from Wednesday with it's quarter-finals. And a mouth watering Madrid Derby ensues. The clash will be a repeat of last season's final, in which Atletico were beaten 4-1 by Real in extra time following a glorious last minute header by Sergio Ramos. Diego Simeone's side will look to avenge their defeat this time around to secure a spot in the semi final.

But this season, things haven't gone into Real Madrid's favour. Real have failed to win in any of their previous 6 fixture against their city rivals this season. They have lost four and drawn other two. The two sides met each other in three different competitions; The Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana), King's Cup (Copa del Rey) and The Primera Division (Spanish League). Atletico won one and drew other in two legs of the Spanish Supercup and King's Cup respectively. Whereas, they tasted victory in both fixtures of the Primera Division. And now the sides will clash again, in yet another competition. The sides will have faced each other, a record eighth  time after the second leg of this quarter final fixture.

The Spanish Super Cup fixture saw Atletico Madrid win 2-1 on aggregate to clinch the title. Drawing the first leg 1-1 and winning the second leg 1-0.

In the King's cup fixture, Atletico won 4-2 on aggregate. Winning the first leg 2-0, this time around, and drawing the second leg 2-2. However, they were later ousted from the competition after League giants Barcelona defeated them to make their place in the final. 

However, in the Primera Division, Real lost both the fixtures to Atletico, 2-1 loss in the first leg and a humiliating 4-0 defeat in the second leg. Watch the highlights of the 4-0 victory below.

(Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid 4:0 All Goals & Full Highlights La Liga)

Leaving apart the head to heads this season, both teams have been in a formidable form lately. They have won four of their previous five fixtures in the all competitions.

Real Madrid look a totally new and revamped side after almost all players returning from either injuries or suspensions. They have netted an astonishing 14 goals and conceded just one in their previous three fixtures. The return of James Rodriguez, Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos from injury has boosted their morale. 

This Champions League will be a special one for Real, if they manage to win it. They will win the trophy a record 11th time and will become the first side to retain the Champions League. Ancelotti will also be the first coach to win the trophy four times.

As for Atletico, they will be looking to win their maiden Champions League trophy. Fernando Torres was seen praising his former teammate and now coach Diego Simeone, earlier this week. He quoted that Simeone's knowledge of the team's weaknesses is actually key to their success. The Rojiblancos have been praised for being a good defensive unit under coach Diego Simeone. Although drawing out their previous fixture against Malaga, they have been in a good form, winning four consecutive matches prior to that draw.

This Madrid Derby is expected to be a cracker of a game. Real Madrid play with a whole different intensity in Champions League fixtures. They will look forward to at least get a draw, if not a win, from this fixture. 
Atletico too, will leave no stones unturned and put in their 100%.

Probable Lineups: 

Real Madrid XI(probable): Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, James, Bale Benzema, Ronaldo
Atletico Madrid  XI(probable): Oblak, Juanfran, Gimenez, Miranda, Jesus Gamez, Arda Turan, Koke, Mario Suarez, Cani, Griezmann, Mandzukic

​Prediction: Considering Madrid's all new intensity and all players fit as well as available, a 3-1 win for Los Blancos.

Kick off: 12:30 am Wednesday, April 15