Real Madrid face off against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the UCL semifinals on Wednesday. Alex McVey is here with three key questions that will define the upcoming Madrid Derby.
Can Diego Simeone’s men climb the mountain?
Conceding three goals at the Bernabéu has left Atletico Madrid with a mountain to climb. They must put three goals in the back of Real Madrid’s net while doing something that no team has been able to do this season: keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid.
Indeed, the last goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid was Joe Hart in the 0-0 draw between Manchester City and Madrid in last year’s Champions League semifinals.
It's now A YEAR to the day (57 games) since Real Madrid failed to score. Last keeper to keep a clean sheet v Real Madrid...Joe Hart.
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) April 26, 2017
Because of the away goals rule in the Champions League, if Madrid score just one goal in the Calderon, Atletico Madrid would have to score five goals to advance. While Real Madrid have been a bit spotty at the back this season, it’s inconceivable that they would allow that many goals past them.
Atletico Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone has stated that while advancing is certainly difficult, it’s not impossible for them to still carry on in the tournament: “On Wednesday we have a very difficult game, impossible for many, but not for us, nothing is impossible”
Impossible? No. But Los Colchoneros certainly have their work cut out for them in the upcoming Madrid Derby if they want to avoid defeat to their cross-town rivals yet again.