Kylian Mbappé has revealed his preference for a Champions League round of 16 clash against city rivals Atletico Madrid, following Real Madrid’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the second leg of their play-offs. The French superstar scored a stunning hat-trick to secure Madrid’s progression into the knockout stages on a 6-3 aggregate scoreline. After being named Player of the Match, Mbappé shared his thoughts on the upcoming draw and why he favors a derby encounter with Atletico over other potential opponents.
The possibility of a Madrid derby in the next round looms large as Friday’s draw approaches, adding intrigue to an already thrilling competition. For Mbappé, the prospect of facing Atletico holds special appeal—not only because it would save the team from extensive travel but also due to the historical significance and intensity of these encounters. Speaking after the match, he stated, “Honestly, I would rather we are drawn against Atleti. They and Bayern are two great clubs, and it would be difficult either way. But in the next round, it would be much better for us if we don’t have to travel—we travel so much!”
This sentiment underscores the practical considerations that come with competing at the highest level of European football. While both Atletico Madrid and Bayern Leverkusen present formidable challenges, avoiding long-distance trips can provide crucial advantages in terms of rest and preparation. With Madrid already showcasing their dominance against top-tier opponents like Manchester City, a local derby could offer additional motivation and familiarity for the players.
Mbappé’s comments also reflect his ambition to leave a lasting legacy at Real Madrid. He emphasized that his move to the club was not merely about fulfilling a childhood dream but about making a significant impact. “I have always said I didn’t come here simply to complete a dream,” he explained. “I want to play well, I want to mark an era.” His performance against City exemplified this mindset, combining clinical finishing with unwavering determination to lead his team to victory.
The 24-year-old forward further highlighted his relentless pursuit of excellence by dismissing the notion of setting specific goals for himself. “As for goals, I do not set myself any limits,” he remarked. “If I can score 50 goals, I will; if I can score more, I will. But I’ve often scored lots of goals in my career and not won trophies. If I can score and lift trophies, let me sign up for that right now.” This philosophy aligns perfectly with Real Madrid’s ethos of winning championships, making him a perfect fit for the club’s ambitions.
Wednesday night’s triumph over Manchester City was nothing short of perfection for Mbappé and his teammates. “This was a perfect night,” he said. “We wanted to win, and this was how to do it. To us, it’s logical that Madrid are in the quarter-final.” The Frenchman credited the team’s collective effort, noting that their success stemmed from giving everything in front of passionate home fans. “We gave everything… and we won because we produced a great performance against City, who are always difficult to play.”
Historically, clashes between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League have been nothing short of epic. There have been nine such encounters, with Madrid emerging victorious in five—including memorable finals in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 seasons. These matches epitomize the fierce rivalry between the two Spanish giants, blending high stakes with breathtaking football. Despite recent La Liga meetings ending in draws (the last three encounters resulted in 1-1 scores), the competitive nature of their matchups ensures unpredictability and excitement.
Atletico’s current form adds another layer of complexity to the potential tie. Diego Simeone’s side has shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last five league games against Madrid, with four of those contests resulting in stalemates. Additionally, they have lost just once in their past seven encounters in Spain’s top flight. Such statistics suggest that any meeting between the two teams would likely be tightly contested, requiring maximum focus and effort from both sides.
For Real Madrid, a possible derby matchup offers both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, playing at home eliminates logistical hurdles associated with traveling abroad. On the other hand, Atletico’s defensive solidity and tactical acumen under Simeone make them a tough nut to crack. Nevertheless, Mbappé’s confidence and leadership could prove decisive in tipping the balance in favor of Los Blancos.
Kylian Mbappé’s openness about preferring a Madrid derby in the Champions League round of 16 highlights the unique blend of pragmatism and ambition driving his career. Whether or not the draw fulfills his wish, the French sensation remains committed to elevating his game and delivering trophies for Real Madrid. As the tournament progresses, fans worldwide eagerly await the drama and spectacle that only the UEFA Champions League can provide. Should a Madrid derby materialize, it promises to deliver yet another chapter in the storied history of this intense rivalry.
