Champions League: Club Atletico de Madrid-Real Madrid Club de Futbol: Madrid city divided into two ahead of Europe's elite cup clash.

 

Champions League returns tonight and Atletico host city rivals at Vicente Calderon.

Real Madrid need a tactical masterclass to overcome Diego Simeone's men.

Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid for the first of the last two meetings this season. Both of them have already played six times this season, a record in Spain for the most matches against an opponent in a season. 

The last time the two met in Europe's most famous competition was back in Lisbon on a memorable final, thanks to Sergio Ramos who turned hero that night. The newly crowned Spanish champions were just one minute away from being European champions. But Sergio Ramos header forced extra time and Bale, Marcelo and Ronaldo ensured the La Decima.

However, the story was different since then. The Madrid has gone one sided this season.

Atletico won the Supper Copa de Espana and snatched the Copa del Rey from defending champions. Morever, they defeated Real in both the Liga outfits, including a 4-0 demolition.

While, past may remain as stories, tonight Ancelotti must bring in a tactical masterclass.

Casillas at goal had been excellent against Rayo. Ramos, Marcelo, Varane and Carvajal must make the back four. If he chose a 4-4-2 formation, then Kroos, Modric, James and Bale must start. Isco and Lucas Silva may also be handed a start. The attack will be lead by their custom Ronaldo and Benzema.

The match is the first leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at Vicente Caldren on 20:45 CET. The reverse fixture will be on April 22 at Santiago Bernabeu.

  

Real Madrid-Schalke 04 Match Preview: Modric returns to rescue Ancelotti.

 

Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric returns against Schalke.

Struggling BBC hopes to find form with their arrival.

Real Madrid would look to put back their worst week behind with a conscious performance against Schalke 04.

Real Madrid have gone through a difficult week with a poor result at home against Villareal and defeat in hands of Athletic Bilbao. The two results meant Barca top the table for the first time since October and Cristiano Ronaldo been caught by Messi in Golden Shoe race.

With Luka Modric and Ramos returning, Real Madrid would look back to emulate their months of September to December. Real registered 13 consecutive wins with Luka Modric. 

With his absence, Madrid won 17, lost 4 and drew 2. This also includes defeats against Atletico twice (2-0, 4-0) and against Valencia, Villareal and Bilbao. Madrid also exited from cup competition losing 4-2 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, the result was very impressive with Modric and Real was efficient in passing and scoring. Cristiano scored around 20 goals including two hattricks and a super hattrick with Modric. Benzema was chosen Player of October by Real Madrid and was instrumental during November.

Madrid created a lot of chances with Modric than without him. His return would surely be a boost for the entire squad and especially for Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema.

Meanwhile, Ramos has been the spirit of Los Blancos. Real seemed less energetic without him.

Ramos was an efficient skipper, a great defender and always a savior for Madrid. 

The return of two giants must surely make a difference when they meet Schalke.

Real Madrid play against Schalke after holding a 2-0 lead in the first leg and with a good home record against German oppositions (W22 D4 L2). The match also the first UCL at home since November against Ludogorets Razgrad.

The match is scheduled to start at 20:45 CET at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.    

'Many forgot Bale scored in Copa del Rey and Champions League finals'

  

Ancelotti: Bale is important

The former AC Milan boss wants Gareth Bale and slammed those who wanted James and Isco ahead of the Welshman.

Real Madrid's Champions League winning coach Carlo Ancelotti hit back against the media who wrote down the chances of Bale comeback into the starting XI ahead of Isco and James.

The ex-Juventus star has stressed the importance of the number 11 and also reminded them what would have happened if Bale hadn't played in the finals of the two trophies which Madrid had in their cabinet last season.

The report actually came when Ancelotti was said that Isco and James would make the winger on the bench.

Both of them have been in tremendous form which is surely a setback for injured Bale.

However, the Italian reponded in this way:

It seems as many have forgotten what Bale did in the two finals last year. He is equally as important as Isco and James.

Gareth Bale was injured during a training session before the match against Levante. However, the return date is yet to be revealed.