Simeone reacts to drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 | OneFootball

The draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 took place earlier today with fans set to be treated to a Madrid derby as Real Madrid were pitted against neighbours Atletico Madrid.

Having beaten Manchester City in the knockout playoffs, Los Blancos could have drawn either Atletico or Bayer Leverkusen and were eventually paired up against Diego Simeone’s men.

Diego Simeone’s first reaction

Following the draw, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone reacted to the news of his team facing Real Madrid in a derby in the Round of 16 of the UCL.

Speaking to the media ahead of Atletico Madrid’s upcoming match against Valencia, Simeone was asked what he thought of the Champions League draw setting up a derby.

“A great match, a great match. And we are ready,” was Simeone’s brief response, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Another derby beckons. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Los Rojiblancos now stare at a daunting run of fixtures over the next few weeks as they are scheduled to face Barcelona thrice in over a month and Real Madrid twice in a week’s time.

“When you choose to be a coach, you want the best, you seek to face the strongest opponents and compete in all competitions to be close to winning. We are there, and I am happy with everything that is happening,” Simeone stated.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have already faced twice this season in La Liga, with both matches ending in draws.

The first leg of the UCL Round of 16 will take place on 4/5 March at the Santiago Bernabeu and the reverse fixture will be played at the Metropolitano a week later.