Where to watch live at 5pm Real Madrid vs Atlético de Madrid in the UEFA Champions League
The Santiago Bernabéu will host a thrilling showdown this Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Brasília time (8:00 p.m. GMT), as Real Madrid face Atlético de Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 round of 16. This Madrid derby pits two Spanish football giants against each other, vying for a spot in the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier club competition, with over 80,000 fans expected to pack the stands. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, Real Madrid rely on their explosive attack, spearheaded by Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, to secure a home advantage, while Diego Simeone’s Atlético de Madrid bank on their defensive resilience and the flair of Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez to upset their rivals. With tickets sold out, this clash blends historic rivalry with global ambitions, promising a spectacle that will captivate football fans worldwide.
In Brazil, viewers have multiple options to catch the action live, with SBT broadcasting on free-to-air TV, TNT on cable, and the Max streaming platform ensuring every moment is accessible. The return leg is scheduled for March 12 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, but this opening match at the Bernabéu carries the weight of setting the tone for the tie. Weather forecasts for Madrid predict a cloudy day with temperatures around 12°C and a chance of light rain, conditions that could influence the game’s pace and tactical approaches of Ancelotti and Simeone, two of football’s most celebrated managers.
The rivalry between Madrid’s two top clubs has intensified in recent years, marked by unforgettable encounters in Champions League finals and knockout stages. Fresh off a playoff win against Manchester City, Real Madrid enter with momentum, while Atlético aim to replicate standout performances like their 3-1 LaLiga victory over their rivals in 2023/24. With a history of tight battles, this week’s showdown is billed as one of the most evenly matched ties of the round of 16, setting the stage for a high-stakes footballing masterpiece.
Teams gear up for a pivotal encounter
Real Madrid head into the match buoyed by a strong Champions League group stage and their recent triumph over Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti, a manager with four European titles to his name, is likely to field an attacking lineup featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal, a backline of Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, and Ferland Mendy, and a midfield trio of Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga. Up front, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé form a formidable attacking unit tasked with breaking through Atlético’s notoriously disciplined defense. Despite Jude Bellingham’s suspension, Brahim Díaz is expected to step into the midfield, adding flair to the squad.
Atlético de Madrid, guided by Diego Simeone, approach the game with a pragmatic and intense style aimed at stifling their opponents. Their probable lineup includes Jan Oblak in goal, a defense featuring Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, José Giménez, and Javi Galán, and a midfield of Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, and Samuel Lino. In attack, Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez lead the charge, poised to exploit counterattacking opportunities. Injuries to players like César Azpilicueta and Koke pose challenges, but the team has proven adaptable in critical moments.
History highlights a fiercely contested rivalry
The storied rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid boasts a rich tapestry of iconic moments, especially in the Champions League. Across 238 official meetings, Real hold 117 wins to Atlético’s 59, with 62 draws, though recent years have seen the competition tighten. Memorable finals in 2014 and 2016 went Real’s way, but Atlético have had their share of triumphs, including a 3-1 LaLiga win in September 2023. The past five encounters reflect this parity: one win each and three draws, underscoring the neck-and-neck nature of the derby.
Legendary goal scorers add to the tale: Alfredo Di Stéfano netted 17 times for Real against Atlético, while Adrián Escudero scored 11 for Atlético against Real. In the 2024/25 season, Vinícius Júnior leads Real with 12 LaLiga goals, and Griezmann tops Atlético’s charts with 10. Their latest clash, a 1-1 LaLiga draw on February 8, 2025, at the Bernabéu, with goals from Vinícius and Marcos Llorente, fuels anticipation for another close contest.
Champions League round of 16 schedule
The Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid tie follows a set timeline for the round of 16:
- March 4, 2025: Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid, 5:00 p.m. Brasília time, Santiago Bernabéu.
- March 12, 2025: Atlético de Madrid vs. Real Madrid, 5:00 p.m. Brasília time, Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals to face either Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen, setting up more thrilling chapters in the 2024/25 Champions League.
Recent form showcases both teams’ strengths
Real Madrid’s recent performances reveal consistency tempered by occasional slips. In their last five matches, they beat Manchester City 3-2 in the Champions League, edged Leganés 3-2 in the Copa del Rey, but fell 1-0 to Espanyol in LaLiga. Wins over Girona (2-1) and Athletic Bilbao (3-1) round out their run. Atlético de Madrid, meanwhile, are in fine form: they thrashed Getafe 5-0 in the Copa del Rey, defeated Mallorca (3-0) and Sevilla (1-0) in LaLiga, drew 1-1 with Betis, and lost 4-3 to Girona.
Kylian Mbappé is in top form, scoring five goals in his last three outings, including a hat-trick against City, while Vinícius Júnior dazzles with dribbles and key contributions. For Atlético, Julián Álvarez notched the winner in their latest LaLiga match, and Griezmann leads with assists and goals this season. Atlético’s defense, conceding just 22 goals in 24 LaLiga games, will face a stern test against Real’s attacking might.
Fascinating facts fuel the Madrid derby
The Madrid derby is steeped in intriguing details that heighten the stakes. Here are some standout tidbits:
- Real Madrid hold a record 14 Champions League titles, while Atlético have reached three finals without a win.
- Vinícius Júnior has scored in three of the last five derbies against Atlético, cementing his status as a thorn in their side.
- The Bernabéu hasn’t seen an Atlético Champions League victory since 2010, when they won 2-0.
- Griezmann has 10 LaLiga goals in the 2024/25 season, leading Atlético’s attack.
These historical and current nuggets amplify a rivalry that spans generations and remains a pinnacle of European football.
Packed Bernabéu reflects derby fervor
The newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu, with a capacity of 81,000, will be brimming with fans eager to cheer their teams on. Real Madrid’s supporters, renowned for turning the stadium into a cauldron, vow unwavering support, while Atlético fans plan a vocal presence in the away section. Tickets sold out within hours, a testament to the passion this clash ignites in Madrid and beyond.
Globally, the match is projected to draw over 120 million viewers, with Brazil’s audience boosted by stars like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. SBT’s broadcast ensures nationwide reach, complemented by TNT’s in-depth coverage and Max’s streaming option. The economic impact is substantial, generating millions of euros in ticket sales, tourism, and advertising, making the derby a global event.
Ancelotti and Simeone set for tactical showdown
The matchup pits two coaching titans against each other: Carlo Ancelotti’s fluid, attacking style versus Diego Simeone’s pragmatic, gritty approach. Ancelotti has faced Atlético 47 times, winning 19, while Simeone has 14 victories over Real. French referee Clément Turpin, known for his strictness, and VAR official Jérôme Brisard will oversee a game ripe with contentious moments.
Light rain forecasts won’t mar the Bernabéu’s pristine pitch but could make the contest more physical, potentially favoring Atlético’s tenacity. Real lean on Mbappé and Vinícius to unlock the opposition defense, while Atlético rely on their tactical discipline to capitalize on mistakes and counterattacks.
High stakes promise a tight battle
The Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid clash is pegged as one of the round of 16’s closest contests. Playing at home gives Real a slight edge, but Simeone’s track record against them keeps the outcome uncertain. Expectations lean toward a narrow scoreline, possibly with both teams finding the net, given Real’s attacking prowess and Atlético’s clutch efficiency. The fervor of the fans and the talent on display ensure a match that could shape both clubs’ seasons.
As Real Madrid aim to reinforce their European dominance, Atlético dream of progressing and overturning their knockout-stage history against their rivals. This Bernabéu first leg kicks off a two-part saga brimming with intensity, with the football world watching every move in this historic derby.
Luís Henrique Costa é jornalista formado pela FMU, editor-chefe e fundador do Mix Vale, portal de notícias em atividade desde 2013. Responde pela direção editorial do veículo, que cobre Brasil e mundo em economia, benefícios sociais, esportes, tecnologia, ciência e entretenimento. Atua na área há mais de 15 anos e lidera uma equipe de cerca de 15 colaboradores.
