Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful his team will have the advantage on home soil when they take on city rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday night, Afrosport reports.
Los Blancos made it through by eliminating Manchester City in the playoffs while Atleti finished in the top eight in the league phase.
It will be the third meeting between the Spanish capital sides this season after playing out 1-1 draws in La Liga.
“Our goal is to play well and get an advantage for the second leg, that’s all,” the Italian said. “The game will be very equal, very competitive, so we’re not thinking about getting a clear advantage, because that’s not possible. The rivals are strong and they compete very well, so this qualifying round will be extremely equal until the very end.”
Madrid derby
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Meanwhile, Atleti boss Diego Simeone said having two Spanish teams face each other in this round was good as it will ensure more of them reach the quarter-finals.
“This is something spectacular for Madrid, for the city, to have this game with Real Madrid facing Atletico Madrid,” the Argentine said.
“Also, for Spain, because this means that there will be a Spanish team in the quarter-final, and that’s pretty good. And us, who are playing the game, we need to enjoy it, to absolutely enjoy it. This is an extremely important game against a rival who we respect a lot, and we’re ready for whatever comes.”
Both Real and Atleti last met in the Champions during the semi-finals of the 2017-18 season with the former triumphing 4-2 on aggregate en route winning the title.
They were also victorious over Simeone’s side in the 2014 and 2016 finals.
