Real Madrid must host Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 without their best playmaker, Jude Bellingham.
After a poor start to their European title defense, Real Madrid had to fight their way out of the Champions League league phase and past Manchester City in the knockout phase playoffs just to make it to the round of 16. Now, Carlo Ancelotti's men must play their La Liga rivals with a trip to the quarterfinals on the line.
Los Blancos come into the fixture with the all-time edge over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, but they have yet to defeat Diego Simeone's squad this season; both Madrid derbies in La Liga ended in a 1–1 draw. If Real Madrid want to secure their first victory over Atlético Madrid since Jan. 2024, they will have to do so without Bellingham on the pitch.






