Real, Atletico in survival war
By Laolu Olugbenga
Both Real Madrid and Atletico will have a chance of going through to the Semi Finals when they face off at the Santiago Bernabeu. Having drawn the first leg 0-0, Real Madrid will progress if they win the game. Atletico on the other hand need just a draw, 1-1 or more, to go through. Real come into the game on the back of a 3-1 win over Malaga. Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 50th goal of the season, becoming the first player ever to score 50 goals in five consecutive seasons. The win came at a cost though as Luka Modric and Gareth Bale picked up injuries, and both players have been ruled out for six weeks and three weeks, respectively. Both players will undoubtedly miss the game, meaning Isco and Asier Illaramendi are the most likely replacements. Karim Benzema is also a doubt for the fixture. Atletico are unbeaten against Real Madrid in seven meetings, but it will surely be a tough ride at the Bernabeu. They still remain the underdogs for this one, as Real will not be blown away easily on their own turf.
Monaco will fight to overturn a 1-0 deficit at home to Juventus at the Stade Louis II. Juve needed a penalty from Arturo Vidal to steal the win, meaning there is still a lot to do if they are to progress. Monaco have been boosted by news that Arturo Vidal is unlikely to feature; meaning he joins fellow midfielder Paul Pogba on the injury list. This is, however, bad for Juventus. Good news for them is they are getting ever closer to sealing the Serie A title. The Old Lady have their eyes firmly set on the prize, but Monaco are a team on form themselves. They got to the final in 2004, and fate could just be smiling at them again.
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