Real Madrid’s dominance over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League is well-documented, and history suggests Los Blancos will once again have the upper hand in their latest European clash.

However, Atlético manager Diego Simeone believes his side has an opportunity to break their painful streak against their city rivals.

The two teams have met in the Champions League knockout stages four times in the past 11 seasons, with Real Madrid emerging victorious on every occasion—most memorably in the 2014 and 2016 finals.

Now, Simeone’s men are eager to change the narrative when they visit the Santiago Bernabéu for the first leg of their last-16 showdown.

“We are facing a rival that we respect,” Simeone acknowledged in his pre-match press conference.

“We know our strengths, we play to their full potential and we will try to take the game to a place where we can hurt them.”

Despite their past struggles in Europe against Real Madrid, Atlético arrive in strong form, sitting second in LaLiga, two points ahead of their neighbours. But history favours Los Blancos, who have an unmatched legacy in the competition – one Diego Simeone wants to break this season.

“History exists, and Madrid’s history in the Champions League is extraordinary. Tomorrow we will surely have a new opportunity,” Simeone admitted.

The Argentine coach also acknowledged the stature of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spanish football but emphasised Atlético’s own progress under his leadership.

“I always put Barcelona and Madrid in the place they are in because of the history they have, but we are pure growth, which is very nice,” he added.

While Simeone talks of growth, Real Madrid will see this as another chance to reinforce their dominance over their city rivals on the biggest stage. With their remarkable European pedigree and a squad built for Champions League nights, Los Blancos will be determined to remind Atlético why history is on their side.