Trust the results of the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony to have an impact on today's Copa del Rey Last 16 2nd leg match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
On Monday night in Zurich, Real Madrid were honored with two FIFPro XI nominations (Sergio Ramos and Toni Kroos), the Puskas Award (James Rodriguez) and the ultimate prize, the FIFA Ballon d'Or (Cristiano Ronaldo). In contrast, the capital's "poor team" had nothing to celebrate as their manager, Diego Simeone, was beaten to the Men's Coach of the Year award by Germany's Joachim Lowe.
Tonight, however, Simeone and his boys could prove once more why they are smarter than their rich rivals. They dominate Los Blancos on the domestic front when it comes to recent clashes between both sides.
With a 2-0 advantage in hand, they could complete yet another upset -- and in front of the Santiago Bernabeu's home crowd.
For the hosts, failure is not an option. Cristiano Ronaldo would not be able to bear jeers from his anti-supporters and the press, should he suffer an early exit from the Copa del Rey only a few days after scooping the Ballon d'Or. Expect the Portuguese forward to multiply his efforts in search of the goals which would allow Real Madrid to make a comeback and stay in contention for the treble this season. He fired a warning on Thursday morning to lift the spirit of his fans:
My special #Mercurial for a night when we need to be at our best. @nikefootball pic.twitter.com/PX18xavRYY
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 15, 2015
Meanwhile, if Atletico score one goal, the hosts would be under pressure to net four like they did in the UEFA Champions League final. Indeed, this Copa del Rey match is like a final and Atletico Madrid will do everything they can to get their revenge on Real for losing in Lisbon, last year. Will the Rojiblancos succeed or not?
Real Madrid or Atleti - which team will win? Cast your vote below!
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid team sheets
Real Madrid's Starting XI: Navas, Pepe, Ramos, Ronaldo, Kroos, Benzema, James, Bale, Marcelo, Carvajal, Isco.
Atletico Madrid's Starting XI: Oblak, Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Siqueira, Suarez, Tiago, Koke, Raul García, Griezmann, Torres.
Real Madrid's Subs: Casillas, Varane, Coentrao, Khedira,Chicharito, Jesé, Illarra.
Atletico Madrid's Subs: Moyá, Gimenez, Gamez, Gabi, Saul Ñiguez, Arda, Raul Jiménez.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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