UCL Semi Final: Permutations as Madrid Derby Opens Crucial Stage

The dream of securing a place in the Cardiff showpiece is ever nearer, with now just two games all that separates Real Madrid from a spot in the Champions League final.

Atlético represent the final hurdle to overcome as the Whites seek to give themselves a chance of making history by reclaiming their crown.

The first step comes on home soil, in front of the Santiago Bernabéu faithful.

Each and every Champions League fixture at the Bernabéu is unique and special and all the more so when a place in the final is at stake, which is why Real Madrid are today guaranteed to be spurred on by the unrivalled atmosphere generated by the big nights of European football.

However, the support of the home fans is just one of the many weapons that the Whites have at their disposal in their efforts to get the better of Atlético.

Unbeaten in the competition this term, Zinedine Zidane’s charges are undefeated in over two years on home turf in the Champions League.

What’s more, the hosts head into the semis as the tournament’s top goalscorers and after having emerged victorious against Napoli and Bayern in both legs of the respective ties.

Speaking in the build-up, Zinedine Zidane insisted, “We’re ready and will give our all to win”. The Whites’ coach, who has named a 21-man squad, welcomes Raphaël Varane and Mariano back into the fray for the first-leg showdown. Of course, one name that does feature in the squad list is that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who tops the side’s scoring charts in the Champions League with seven goals and comes into the game after having been the difference-maker in the tie against Bayern, in which he netted five times across the two legs.