The Champions League last sixteen clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid is not just any match for either of the two teams, but especially for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The match is not just about qualifying for the next round, but there are many factors that can shape the season for both teams and have important consequences in the event of defeat.
Real Madrid come into this match under great scrutiny. It has not been an easy season for the Whites, who have suffered from injury problems and a crisis of results in the league that has allowed Barça to catch up 10 points and now lead the league by 3 points. Ancelotti is under scrutiny on the bench and several players are being singled out from the stands. A boiling pot in which the only haven of peace is the Champions League.
And the fact is that the Whites reach this round of 16 after one of their displays in the Champions League that contrasts with the poor play shown in the league. Real Madrid are in the last 16, after winning the tie 6-3 on aggregate against Guardiola’s side. In the first leg at the Etihad, Carlo Ancelotti’s side went behind twice through goals from Haaland, but first Mbappé and then Brahim equalized before Bellingham struck in the final minute to make it 2-3. With that advantage they arrived last night at the Santiago Bernabéu where an excellent Mbappé scored a hat-trick to leave the sky blues no chance.
Big money at stake
Beyond the prestige, the team’s morale and the questioning of the project, Real Madrid also has a lot of money at stake in the tie against Atlético Madrid. No competition brings in as much money for clubs as the Champions League. In fact, last season Real Madrid earned around 120 million euros when they won the title.
In the current edition, the team from the Spanish capital has already earned just over 49 million euros. Now, if the merengues manage to eliminate the rojiblancos, they will not only stay alive in the Champions League. Defeating Atlético would mean 12.5 million euros for Real Madrid, a great incentive. Reaching the quarterfinals would already mean a significant extra income, while reaching the semifinals means another 15 million euros.