Atlético v Real Madrid: reporter's view

Strengths
Club Atlético de Madrid are built on the bedrock of an impervious defence, having conceded only four times in their eight games in the competition so far. In Miranda, Diego Godín and José María Giménez they possess three of the continent's top centre-backs, while Juanfran has cemented his place as Spain's first-choice right-back this season.

Real Madrid CF's goalscoring strengths may obviously lie in their potent front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, but the recent return from injury of Luka Modrić cannot be understated. The Croatian international gives the team the ability to dominate matches in midfield from start to finish, also helping the attacking trio to click into gear.

Weaknesses
Diego Simeone's men afford opponents few opportunities, yet sometimes – if creative outlets Koke and Arda Turan are absent – they struggle to engineer chances and find the back of the net themselves. Experienced midfield duo Gabi and Tiago – 31 and 33 respectively – have, occasionally this term, been overrun by pacier, younger players in the centre of the park.

Madrid are susceptible at the back and have been exposed various times during this campaign, especially from set pieces. Their frailties were on display last time out in their 4-3 home loss to FC Schalke 04 in the round of 16 second leg. Though the Merengues advanced 5-4 on aggregate, the German outfit were just one more away goal from progression.

Form
Despite beginning 2015 well, the Rojiblancos' Liga results dipped in March as they drew three in a row, slipping to fourth behind Valencia CF at one stage before returning to form. However, Atlético reached the quarter-finals after eventually seeing off the challenge of Bayer 04 Leverkusen via a deflected Mario Suárez strike and penalties. Better showings may be required at the business end of the season.

Although the Merengues racked up 22 consecutive wins on all fronts towards the end of 2014, this year they have been rather subdued by their very high standards. Second-placed Madrid have suffered four Liga defeats in 2015, allowing FC Barcelona to take advantage and move four points clear at the top of the table.

Knockout pedigree
Last term Simeone's side were masterly, coming within seconds of claiming the UEFA Champions League crown; they then won the two-legged Spanish Super Cup 2-1 against Madrid in August. After subsequently overturning their neighbours in the Copa del Rey, they fell to Barcelona in the quarter-finals. That setback notwithstanding, Atlético have proved they are a match for anyone in knockout contests.

The holders have made the semi-finals in the last four editions of the UEFA Champions League – spectacularly, they dismantled FC Bayern München 5-0 over two legs last spring before their quest for 'La Décima' culminated against Atleti in Lisbon. This time they strolled through Group B, winning all six fixtures, before toiling against Schalke. What's more, their Spanish Cup title defence was curtailed by their next European opponents, 4-2 on aggregate in January.

Prediction
Given their recent results in the derby – Atlético extended their unbeaten run against their rivals this season to six games with February's 4-0 Liga home success – it is not difficult to predict a quarter-final triumph for the 2014 runners-up. Indeed, I fancy them to go beyond the semis and get to the final again.

While Carlo Ancelotti's charges have not beaten Atlético this campaign, they will take solace in the fact their last victory came when it mattered most, in the Portuguese capital last May. Nevertheless, under Simeone, Atlético hold the upper hand in the derby, a supremacy that could signal the end of the road for the defending champions.

One to watch/game changer
After a slow start to life along the river Manzanares, France forward Antoine Griezmann has become Atlético's 16-goal Liga top scorer, going from impact sub to one of the first names on Simeone's team sheet in a second striker role behind Mario Mandžukić.

Ronaldo dragged his side over the line against Schalke, breaking the record for goals registered in European club competition in the process. The Portuguese international also netted a record 17 times as Madrid landed their tenth European Cup last season, and has eight in as many outings this term. He will have to be firing again if they are to prolong their campaign.

Possible starting XI
Atlético: Moyà; Juanfran, Jesús Gámez, Miranda, Godín; Tiago, Gabi, Koke, Arda Turan; Griezmann, Mandžukić.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Marcelo, Pepe, Ramos; Kroos, Modrić, Isco; Benzema, Bale, Ronaldo.