The Liga BBVA takes centre stage in the Champions League's stand-out quarter-final clash

The quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League see two of the Liga BBVA’s three representatives in the competition paired together: Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid. Both los rojiblancos and los madridistas have proven very strong in Europe’s elite tournament this season, while their tie is a repeat of last year’s final.

Real Madrid came out on top in that duel in Lisbon last May, the most recent in the UEFA Champions League between the sides. Despite Atlético taking the lead courtesy of Diego Godín, a Sergio Ramos header forced extra time and los blancos overwhelmed their city rivals in the added half-hour period as the match ended 4-1.

Recap of their seasons However, this term they have faced each other four times, with Diego Pablo Simeone‘s men undoubtedly holding the upper hand. In the Liga BBVA, Atlético saw off Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu (1-2) and at the Vicente Calderón (4-0). In the Copa del Rey, los rojiblancos won at home (2-0) and earned a draw away (2-2) to progress to the next round and knock out their near neighbours.

The teams have experienced different paths to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Atlético began with defeat on the road at Olympiacos FC, but sealed qualification for the last 16 with four victories in a row and a draw with Juventus in Turin. In the first knockout stage they edged past Bayer 04 Leverkusen on penalties. Real Madrid, on the other hand, enjoyed a more serene group stage, winning all six games with a record of 16 goals for and just 2 against. 

Champions League figures Alongside FC Bayern München and AS Monaco FC, Atlético Madrid possess the meanest defence in the competition with four goals conceded, while Real Madrid are the second-highest scorers with 21, behind only Bayern. What’s more, Atlético are yet to let in a goal at their stadium in the UEFA Champions League, and Madrid have won each of their four away fixtures.

To cap off these tallies, both boast players among the UEFA Champions League’s top marksmen. Real Madrid have Cristiano Ronaldo on eight goals, level with FC Barcelona’s Leo Messi. The Portuguese has scored the same amount at home as he has away, as has Karim Benzema, although the Frenchman is on six goals so far. For Atlético, the outstanding striker is Mario Mandžukić, who has netted five times, all at home except for the opening matchday against Olympiacos FC in Greece.