Real Madrid is confronted with the enormous test of a Derby with Atletico Madrid in the second stage of their Champions League Last-16 draw, and it is one that they might have to overcome without Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe is said to be set to undergo fitness tests to determine whether he will be able to play the Metropolitano, with the France -striker a blow to his judge ankle in last weekend’s Laado Vallecano.
Madrid, who has yet to announce their official team before the game, led 2-1 of the first stage in the Santiago Bernabeu.
The absence of Mbappe would be a huge boost for Atletico, which Madrid held in a 1-1 draw in this fixture in LaLiga in September and grabbed a point thanks to Angel Correa’s 95th minute equalizer.
But Atletico midfielder Rodrigo de Paul is not illusion with regard to the quality level that Madrid has at their disposal, and he called on Diego Simeone’s side to maintain an insular focus while looking at their shortage on the first legs.
“Everything is fundamental, even more for a draw like this,” De Paul told Diario ALS.
“The mental part has its relevance, but also the tactical one, the physical … It is a set, it doesn’t have to do with just one thing. We must be prepared in all aspects to achieve what we want, namely to continue.
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“First, above all, when you have this kind of match, you also have to enjoy it because you don’t always play them. Understanding that to achieve what we want, we all have to be together, it does not depend on a player or one thing.
“Games of this size are won as a team. After experiencing other important games, I am convinced that this is a team where we all feel important, in 90 minutes we need everyone, we are committed to the cause. And it can be a great evening for all Athleticos.
“Real Madrid has all players of the highest level, which leads you to have concentration and concern about playing against them. [Jude] Bellingham has different characteristics, he can play, and [Luka] Modric, [Aurelien] Tchouameni too.
“They have different characteristics, but play at a very high level. I don’t look at who stands for me so much because they are great, as I do with what I have to do. “
The Paul suffered a knock when Atletico was defeated by Getafe during the weekend to fall behind Barcelona and Madrid in an extremely narrow LaLiga title race.
But he said about his physical condition: ‘I feel very good, it was a blow and it was only that. Nothing else. “
