Champions League team news and prediction: Real Madrid vs Atalanta

Real Madrid will look to maximise home advantage to ensure safe passage to the next round of the Champions League. However, Shakhtar Donetsk proved any team can return from Spain with a positive result in the competition and Atalanta will be looking to come away from the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano with the result that takes them into the quarter-finals. 

Here, we run through all the need-to-know pre-match information, including where to watch this Champions League tie, what time the game kicks off, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off?   

Tuesday 16th March, 20:00 GMT   

Where is the match?   

Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, Madrid 

Where can I watch it?   

BT Sport 3 

First Leg Recap 

It took a Ferland Mendy winner four minutes from time for Real Madrid to return to Spain with a first leg advantage last month. The Serie A side were reduced to 10 men after just 17 minutes as Remo Freuler received his marching orders, earning just his second red card in an Atalanta shirt in the process.  

However, Gian Piero Gasperini's side held firm until the death as Mendy picked the perfect time to score his first ever Champions League goal. In truth, the 1-0 scoreline flattered the hosts, who conceded 19 shots and had 31% possession. Without Freuler, their quest to overturn the first leg deficit becomes all the more difficult. 

Team News 

Captain Sergio Ramos returned to first team action after two months out in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Elche and his availability is a boost. However, Eden Hazard faces another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a muscle injury and he joins Mariano and Dani Carvajal in the physio room. Casemiro is suspended for Los Blancos, but Federico Valverde is an option to deputise for the Brazilian after recently recovering from injury. 

Remo Freuler's ban is a blow for Atalanta with the Swiss midfielder forging a fine partnership with Marten de Roon in the middle of the park. Youngster Matteo Pessina could deputise for Freuler at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano tonight. Centre-back Berat Djimsiti was forced off early in the second half of Atalanta's win over Spezia at the weekend and that could see Jose Luis Palomino start at the back. Hans Hateboer and Busko Sutalo miss out, with Joakim Maehle expected to start in the former's absence once again. 

Probable XIs 

Real Madrid (433) - Courtois; Vazquez, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Modric, Valverde, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Junior

Atalanta (3412) - Gollini; Toloi, Romero, Palomino; Maehle, De Roon, Pessina, Gosens; Ilicic; Muriel, Zapata

Key Battle: Sergio Ramos vs Cristian Romero

Sergio Ramos' return to fitness is a huge boost for Real Madrid. While his contract runs out in the summer, and there are rumours he'll bring his time in the capital to the close at the end of the season, the 34-year-old's availability is a welcome one for Los Blancos as they seek to see out 2020/21 on a high.

If Atalanta are to harbour any hopes of securing a quarter-final spot in the Champions League, then Cristian Romero needs to be at his very best to keep the Real Madrid offensive at bay. With a WhoScored rating of 7.95, the Argentine is the best rated defender in the Champions League this season, with his impressive reading of the game - Romero is averaging 4.8 interceptions per game - a key strength of his.

Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Atalanta