Real Madrid need flawless performance against Atletico, says Vinicius

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has warned that any mistakes against Atletico Madrid in their Champions League last-16 tie could lead to an early exit from the competition.

Los Blancos host their city rivals on Tuesday, 4 march, before travelling to the Metropolitano stadium for the second leg next week.

Madrid head into the tie on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Real Betis in La Liga, a performance Vinicius is keen to avoid repeating in Europe.

"I think in the last game we lacked a bit of everything... we made too many mistakes, we defended badly and did everything badly," the Brazilian winger said on Monday. "It's better it happened in the last game as tomorrow we can make no mistakes, because these are knock-out games where you make a mistake and you're going home, and we don't want to go home so early."

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti echoed Vinicius's sentiment, admitting the team's lack of attitude against Betis was concerning.

"I hope it was an isolated incident," Ancelotti said. "I think it is a very even tie and it will be decided in the second leg. It's a tight game, (it will be) hard-fought."

Ancelotti praised Atletico coach Diego Simeone, highlighting his tactical acumen and his team's defensive resilience.

"What I like is the way he reads games, how he sets up his team, his strategy, the defensive grit his players have, I like all of that," said the Italian.

Madrid will be without the suspended Jude Bellingham for the first leg.

Vinicius, who has not been at his peak recently, is optimistic about stepping up during the crucial stage of the season.

"With so many games you can't be 100 percent in all of them," he added. "The decisive moment of the season is arriving and at Madrid we play best in this moment of the season."

The 24-year-old also expressed his desire to renew his contract, which expires in 2027, despite rumours of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.

Simeone backs Atletico to seize 'big opportunity'

Atletico coach Diego Simeone acknowledged Real Madrid's illustrious history in the Champions League but remained confident that his side could capitalise on the opportunity at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"As we always relate situations to history, and history exists, Real Madrid's history in the Champions League is extraordinary, and tomorrow we have a big opportunity," said Simeone.

Real Madrid have often been Atletico's stumbling block in Europe, beating them in the 2014 and 2016 finals, as well as the 2017 semi-finals, 2015 quarter-finals, and the 1959 semis.

Despite never winning the competition, Atletico remain a formidable force domestically, currently sitting second in La Liga, just one point behind leaders Barcelona and two ahead of Madrid.

Simeone dismissed the idea that the intense domestic battle would affect their European tie.

"I see a game with a lot of respect against a great opponent and I think they respect us in the same way," he said. "I think all the previous games will have no impact at all, this is the Champions League.

"For the city, for Madrid, it's spectacular that Atletico and Real Madrid are facing off."