Overview

• Real Madrid hosts Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at Santiago Bernabéu, with the match starting at 3 PM Eastern.
• Real Madrid, despite injuries to key players like Jude Bellingham and Éder Militão, is relying on Kylian Mbappé, who recently scored a hat trick against Manchester City, to lead their attack.
• Atlético Madrid enters the match with a strong offensive record, scoring two or more goals in their last five games, but will miss key players like Koke and César Azpilicueta due to injuries.
• Both teams have struggled with consistency in domestic league play, with Real Madrid recently losing to Real Betis and Atlético narrowly defeating Athletic Club to move ahead in the La Liga standings.
• The second leg of the Round of 16 will take place on March 12 at the Civitas Metropolitano, setting the stage for a decisive conclusion to this competitive matchup.