In roughly 12 hours, Real Madrid will play city arch rivals Atletico Madrid in an iconic Champions League clash. The opening leg, in which the two titans square off, is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Santiago Bernabeu.
The two clubs had previously clashed in the Champions League nine times, and the head-to-head statistics clearly demonstrate Los Blancos' domination. The Merengues have won five occasions, lost two, and had two draws.
In contrast, Real Madrid has humiliated the Rojiblancos in two Champions League finals, and on both occasions, the whites have barred Atletico Madrid from winning their first Champions League title.
Today's game promises to be nothing short of amazing. Atletico Madrid features celebrated manager Diego Simeone, who has led the team to many fond recollections and outstanding achievements. The visitors will be hoping to capitalize on today's prospects and eventually create a degree of domination over the neighborhood competitors.
Diego Simeone predicts the midfield trio that Carlo Ancelotti might deploy
In an interview previous to today's game, Diego Simeone was questioned about what he expected his opponent to employ against him in the middle.
For perspective, Real Madrid has been plagued with midfield problems of all kinds. Injuries to in-form players severely restricted Carlo Ancelotti's options, and he will be compelled to use a combination that is not the greatest, but the most matched to the available squad.
Dani Ceballos was hurt last week and is sidelined for roughly two months, while Fede Valverde's status is uncertain. Even if he does start, the Uruguayan will most likely play right-back rather than midfield.
Among other things, Simeone opined thus:
"I think Real Madrid will play with a strong midfield, where we will see Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modrić and Aurélien Tchouaméni trying to control the game and compensate for the absence of Jude Bellingham."
Simeone clearly sees a huge chance in Real Madrid's midfield choices for tonight's game. He is fully aware that Carlo Ancelotti is plagued by problems and has few tactical choices available. Simeone, being the shrewd manager he is, would not pass up this opportunity and will give his team the best instructions possible to capitalize on Real Madrid's current circumstances.
It will be a tough test for Carlo Ancelotti and his team to make the most of their available players while not wasting their fantastic home advantage.