Atletico Aim To Defy Real And History

Coach Simeone calls on fans to help end their European jinx against bitter rivals

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MADRID - Atletico Madrid stare down bitter city rivals Real Madrid and the weight of history as they aim to reach the Champions League quarter-finals on March 12.

Los Blancos are the record 15-time champions, the holders, and lead Atletico 2-1 in the last-16 tie as well as seemingly holding a decades-long jinx on Los Rojiblancos.

The teams have been paired on five occasions in the competition and Real have emerged triumphant every time.

"History exists, and Madrid's history in the Champions League is extraordinary," admitted Atletico coach Diego Simeone, with his side still waiting for a first European Cup.

Most painful for Atletico were the 2014 and 2016 final defeats.

Simeone's side led in stoppage time in 2014, but Sergio Ramos' 93rd-minute header forced extra time, with Real then running out 4-1 winners.

Two years later, the final went all the way to penalties but Atletico defender Juanfran missed his spot kick, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to convert his and chalk up another Real triumph.