Tue Mar 04 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Madrid Derby to Ignite Champions League: Key Injuries Shake Up Lineups

**MADRID** – Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid clash in a highly anticipated Champions League Round of 16 first leg match at the Santiago Bernabéu, but both teams will face the challenge with significant injury absences. The match pits two rivals with contrasting recent fortunes against each other: Real Madrid, reeling from a recent La Liga defeat to Real Betis, against an in-form Atlético Madrid who recently leapfrogged them in the league standings.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will be without Bellingham (suspension) and several key injured players including Militao, Carvajal, Ceballos, and Vallejo. However, Fede Valverde returns and is expected to fill in at right-back, a role he successfully played against Manchester City. Ancelotti will likely field an attacking lineup featuring a front three of Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé.

Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are also dealing with injuries, missing Koke and Azpilicueta. Despite these absences, Simeone can still rely on his core players, with Griezmann and Julián Álvarez leading the attack. The manager is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, potentially shifting to a 5-4-1 during the game.

The match promises a thrilling encounter, with both teams possessing attacking talent, despite significant alterations to their usual starting XIs. Real Madrid, 15-time Champions League winners, hold a strong historical edge over Atlético in knockout matches, having eliminated them in previous Champions League encounters. However, Atlético, finalists in 2014 and 2016, will be aiming to upset the odds and continue their quest for European glory. The first leg will be crucial in determining the outcome of this fiercely contested derby.

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