Evening all! Sports Mole's Champions League quarter-final coverage opens from the Vicente Calderon as Atletico Madrid welcome Real Madrid for the first leg. Kickoff in the Spanish capital is still around 90 minutes away, but be sure to remain with me throughout the night for all the action!

The team news here is expected at around 6.40pm UK time, but there are not expected to be too many surprises. Mario Mandzukic's return is the headline news for Atletico, while Gareth Bale is expected to return for Real Madrid. One thing is for certain, there will be plenty of superstars on display.

The Champions League has thrown up some new fixtures this season, but Atletico versus Real Madrid is a full-bloodied rivalry that has been developing since the 1928-29 season, when they played their first league match. Real Madrid won 2-1 on that night and have certainly enjoyed a large spell of dominance over Atletico, but the Rojiblancos have had Los Blancos' number in recent games.

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This fixture is, of course, a repeat of last season's Champions League final. Atletico were a couple of minutes away from claiming the trophy courtesy of Diego Godin's first-half header, but Sergio Ramos equalised for Real Madrid in stoppage time, before Carlo Ancelotti's side won the competition for a 10th time in extra-time. It was a crushing defeat for Atletico, but a mark of their undoubted progress.

Indeed, last season was extremely fruitful for Atletico, with Diego Simeone leading the capital outfit to their first league title since the 1995/96 season, in addition to reaching the conclusion of this tournament. It has been more difficult this time around, but success in this competition would make it another wonderful campaign for the club. The atmosphere is already building around the stadium.

Before their meeting in last season's final, these two teams had actually only clashed once in European football, with that two-legged affair occurring in the semi-finals of the 1959 European Cup. Real Madrid won the first leg 2-1 at home, before Atletico recorded a 1-0 win in the reserve. That led to a replay between the capital rivals and Real Madrid advanced 2-1 to reach a fourth successive final.

Incredibly, since last season's final, the two sides have met six times across three separate competitions and Real Madrid have failed to win. Atletico claimed the Spanish Super Cup over two legs at the start of the season, before recording a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu in La Liga back in September.

Atletico then dispatched Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey courtesy of a 2-0 win at home and 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, before beating Real Madrid 4-0 at the Calderon in the league in February. It has been an incredible run for Simeone's side, who have had to watch their rivals dominate these meetings in recent years. The team news is just about filtering through from the Calderon...

BREAKING TEAM NEWS! As confirmed by Diego Simeone, Mario Mandzukic returns to the Atletico XI this evening, while Guilherme Siqueira also returns at left-back. Gabi will captain the team from midfield, but Fernando Torres and Tiago are both on the bench. For Real Madrid, Gareth Bale is fit to start, while James Rodriguez is preferred to Isco in midfield. Right, full lineups will follow in a moment...

TEAMS:

ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Suarez, Gabi, Koke; Turan, Mandzukic, Griezmann

REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, James; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale

So there we have it. Miranda and Diego Godin have not played together on too many occasions this season due to injuries and suspensions, but the pair, who were so good last season, start here. Mario Suarez is somewhat surprisingly preferred to Tiago in the other main talking point in the XI here.

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Real Madrid, meanwhile, have Bale fit and available and the Welshman starts alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Iker Casillas returns between the sticks, while Raphael Varane is preferred at centre-back to Pepe, who is still not fully fit. James Rodriguez also starts ahead of Isco.

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Ronaldo has scored 16 times in 20 games against Atletico and he will hope to add to his 49 goals for the season here. The Portuguese has also scored 47 goals in his last 41 Champions League games, including eight in eight this season. Those numbers are scary and plain ridiculous to be honest!

Atletico are in the quarter-finals of the European Cup for the seventh time and are seeking a fifth semi-final appearance. They are also chasing a fifth straight home victory in this season's competition having won all three group games in Madrid, before beating Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in the second leg of their last-16 clash. Over the last couple of seasons, the Calderon has been a real fortress for the team.

Atletico, who topped Group A ahead of Juventus, have also won 21 of their last 23 European games in this stadium. Their only defeat during that run came against Russian outfit Rubin Kazan in the Europa League round of 32 back in 2013. Incredibly, Atletico have also only conceded twice in their last 10 European games in this particular stadium – some record that is! Over to you Real Madrid.

As touched upon, Atletico overcame Bayer Leverkusen in the last round to reach this stage of the competition. They lost the first leg 1-0 in Germany, before winning by the same scoreline in the return leg. That led to a nervy penalty shootout and it was Atletico that held their nerve to advance.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, absolutely breezed through the group stages – winning all six of their Group B games to finish 11 points clear of second-place Basel, while Liverpool were eliminated in third position. That brought a fairly favourable draw against Schalke 04, but it almost went horribly wrong.

Los Blancos won the first leg 2-0 in Germany, but were within one goal of going out in the second leg after losing 4-3 at the Bernabeu. They advanced by the skin of their teeth, but a similar performance against Atletico would surely see them eliminated. Real Madrid are of course bidding to become the first team in the modern era to successfully defend the Champions League. Can they achieve it?

It must be said that the atmosphere is really building inside the stadium. Both sets of players are making plenty of noise and we haven't even started yet. This is going to be a special, special night.

Real Madrid's recent away record in this competition has been very impressive, meanwhile, winning eight of their last 10 and losing just once. They have also only conceded once in their last five away games in the Champions League. Something has to give this evening and I for one cannot wait.

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Real Madrid are also in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the fifth year running and they have won each of the last four ties at this stage of the competition and eight of the last nine. It would be fair to say that alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich, they are the favourites this season.

Tonight's focus is of course on the Champions League, but it would not be right to discuss this particular match without mentioning La Liga. Atletico won the title last season, but they have struggled to reproduce their form from last season. As it stands, Simeone's side are third in the table – seven points behind second-place Real Madrid and nine behind the league leaders Barcelona.

However, two league wins for Atletico this season meant that they did the double over Real Madrid for the first time since the 1950-51 season. Their 4-0 win at the Calderon, meanwhile, was their biggest victory over their neighbours since 1987. Can they conjure up something similar in this one?

Atletico have been in good form in recent weeks, however, winning three of their four games since beating Leverkusen in the last round of the Champions League. That said, Atletico will enter this game off the back of a fairly disappointing 2-2 draw at Malaga, courtesy of a late strike from Griezmann.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have actually lost three of their last seven games in all competitions, but they have recorded three straight wins – scoring 14 times in the process. At the weekend, Ancelotti was able to rest a number of players as they comfortably saw off Eibar 3-0. In the league at least, Real Madrid are Barcelona's main challengers at this stage of the season, not Atletico Madrid.

In total, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have met on 201 occasions in league and cup. Real Madrid have won 103 of those matches, with Atletico winning 50 and the further 48 ending in draws.

PREDICTION! This one is so difficult to call. Atletico are unbeaten in six games against Real Madrid, however, and I expect that to continue tonight. Both teams will score, but I am predicting a 1-1 draw.

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Here we go then. Both sets of players are in the tunnel and just about ready to join us on the pitch for the first period. The noise inside this stadium is just deafening. There is another Champions League clash taking place this evening, meanwhile, with Monaco making the trip to face in-form Juventus.

That Champions League tune. Sensational isn't it. This place is jumping!

The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Two of the best teams in European football meet once again in the Spanish capital. This is a very special fixture.

Would both teams take a draw this evening? Try telling that to the home supporters, who are creating an incredible noise at the Calderon. It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes underway here.

As expected, it has been an all-action start, with plenty happening in the middle of the park. Mandzukic wants a free kick just outside the Real Madrid box, but the referee is not interested and play continues. You just get the feeling that the official will need to have a strong match tonight.

Half-chance for Real Madrid as Carvajal finds some space outside the box before striking on goal, but Oblak is on hand to make the save. Moments before, Carvajal had delivered a super cross towards the far post, but there were no takers. Atletico are straight down the other end with Mandzukic here.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Real Madrid to take the lead as Bale drives into the Atletico box, but his effort brings a super save from Oblak. That is excellent goalkeeping from the Slovenian!

Well, this one has not taken long to get going! Real Madrid are in control of the possession as they pass and probe outside the box, but eventually Atletico have a goal kick. All happening in Madrid!

Sergio Ramos has made a wonderful start to this match and the Spaniard again nicks in ahead of Turan to drive Real Madrid forward. The visitors have taken control of the possession in the Calderon.

Mandzukic just needs to be a little bit careful here as he fells Modric before arguing with the referee. Already, Atletico feel that they are not getting the rub of the green, with Simeone very animated.

SAVE! Ronaldo takes the resulting free kick and his effort has plenty of power, but Oblak gets down well to make the save. The Atletico goalkeeper has had a busy opening nine minutes here.

First flash point between the two players as Ramos clashes with Gabi. The Atletico players want a yellow card, but the referee is not interested. It was a studs-up challenge from Ramos there!

Atletico manage to scramble clear inside their own box as Real Madrid threaten once again. Ronaldo seems to make contact, but his effort is blocked and play continues. All Real Madrid at the moment.

Atletico force a free kick in a good position as Marcelo brings Turan to the ground...

... Gabi delivers towards the head of Godin, but Ramos is up to make contact and clear for a corner.

Atletico have just started to offer a threat, but it would be fair to say that Real Madrid have had the better of the opening 16 minutes here, especially in terms of possession. It is just fascinating.

Half-chance for Real Madrid as Ronaldo collects a high ball before finding James inside the box, but his effort is blocked. Benzema picks up the pieces, but the Frenchman is crowded out. Griezmann is down the other end for the home side moments later, but the attacker lacked any real support.

Real Madrid remain on top here as excellent work from Bale wins a corner, but Atletico eventually manage to clear after a dangerous period of pressure from the visitors. Still goalless in Madrid.

There has still not been a single yellow card - which is a surprise! I should not imagine that will be the case at the end of the night, however. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Real Madrid are still on top in terms of possession. This game is just flying past here.

Real Madrid have a free kick in an advanced position as Gabi fells Bale...

... Ronaldo again takes the set piece, but his effort smashes into the centre of the wall.

End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, but Mandzukic is struggling to make his mark for Atletico, with Varane and Ramos winning that battle at the moment. Real Madrid continue to pass and probe in the final third, but we have not had a serious opportunity since the early stages here.

The game has settled following a frantic opening, but Real Madrid are the better team at the moment as they continue to dominate the ball. Atletico have had very little in the final third thus far tonight.

Would both teams be happy with a 0-0 tonight? It would not be the worst result in the world. I am not suggesting that will be the case, but a goalless draw would probably suit both sides in certain ways.

Much better from the home side as Griezmann combines with Siqueira down the left, but Real Madrid manage to clear for a corner, which is dealt with by Casillas, who collects under little pressure.

SAVE! Oblak is again forced into action for Atletico as the goalkeeper denies Bale from a long-range strike. It was a super strike from the Welshman, who found space outside the box.

Siqueira is making good ground down the left for Atletico as he forces another corner from Carvajal, which is allowing the home team to move up the field. The resulting corner is delivered towards the far past, but Ramos manages to clear. Not the best defending from Real Madrid during that set piece.

Still no bookings in this game, but Gabi gets away with one as he fells James from behind.

Good pressure from Real Madrid as Modric delivers a super free kick towards Varane, but Miranda manages to head behind for a corner. Kroos is across to take the next set piece, but Mandzukic clears.

SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping once again from Oblak as the Slovenian denies James from distance.

CHANCE! An error from Ramos presents Griezmann with a wonderful chance just outside the Real Madrid box, but the Frenchman can only spin and fire into the arms of the waiting Casillas.

CHANCE! Super football from Real Madrid brings another chance as Ronaldo feeds Modric, but the Croatian can only poke his effort over the crossbar. It is all happening at the moment here!

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the away side as Varane races down the right before feeding Benzema, who eventually sets up James, but again Oblak gets down to make the save!

CHANCE! Yet another opportunity for Real Madrid, but Benzema heads high of the crossbar after arriving unmarked inside the box. Good grief this game has come to life again in the last 10 minutes.

CHANCE! Opportunity for Atletico this time as Siqueira delivers a super cross onto the head of Griezmann, but the Frenchman's effort is over the crossbar. Somehow it is still goalless!

And breathe! The referee brings the first period to a close and somehow it is still goalless. Real Madrid have had the best of the action thus far, but have found Atletico goalkeeper Oblak in special form. The hosts, meanwhile, have had a couple of opportunities, but have been second best up until this point.

STATS! Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 63%, while they have had 10 attempts - six of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have only had one attempt on target thus far. Incredibly, there has not been a single booking thus far despite 13 fouls at the Vicente Calderon.

BENCH WATCH! Atletico boss Simeone has a number of options on his bench this evening, with the likes of Tiago, Raul Garcia, Saul Niguez and Fernando Torres all in reserve. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Isco and Jese Rodriguez. Will there be any changes at the break?

Here we go then. Both sets of players rejoin us on the field for the second period. Will we have a breakthrough in the first leg? It is the home side that get the second 45 minutes underway.

No changes from either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains level for the next 15, 20 minutes.

Ronaldo embarks on a powerful run for the visitors, but he is surrounded by a host of red and white shirts and the danger is cleared. Modric then has a run, but Miranda fells the Croatian midfielder.

Half-chance for the home side as Juanfran delivers a super cross onto the head of Turan, but the midfielder's effort is wide of the post. Much better from Atletico in the early stages of this half.

Mandzukic hits the deck and stays there following an aerial challenge with Ramos. Oh my word, Mandzukic has blood pouring from his nose. It looked accidental, but it is a really nasty one.

Mandzukic is furious with the referee and indeed furious with Ramos following that challenge. I suspect we have not seen the last of that one. Mandzukic really needs to keep his focus on the game.

Mandzukic is having a go at anyone that will listen as he continues to be patched up on the sideline!

Modric delivers another super cross into the Atletico box, but Oblak is on hand to collect. Mandzukic is changing his shirt and will soon return here. As it stands though, the home side play on with 10.

The patched-up Mandzukic returns!

BOOKING! Mandzukic (Atletico) is booked for swinging his arm in a high challenge with Varane. Well, you did not need to be genius to realise that something like that was going to happen!

The temperature did not exactly need raising, but that incident with Mandzukic and Ramos has just added some more spice to this game. We have not had too many clear chances in this second period, but Kroos again tests Oblak from outside the box. How good has the Atletico stopper been here?!

Ronaldo finds space outside the Atletico box, but his effort is deflected wide for a corner.

Real Madrid decide to take a quick free kick outside the Atletico box, but it is a strange decision and the home side manage to clear with minimum fuss. Still goalless with 60 minutes on the clock here.

Atletico threaten with a couple of crosses in quick succession, but Real Madrid defend their box very well on both occasions, before Bale blocks an effort from Siqueira. End-to-end football in Madrid.

Ronaldo sets up Benzema inside the Atletico box, but the striker's touch is very heavy and Atletico manage to clear. Carvajal and Mandzukic, meanwhile, have a coming together inside the box.

Mandzukic cannot stay on the field at the moment as blood continues to pour from his nose.

Mandzukic is back on the field and this time he wins a free kick from Varane, who jumped into the back of the forward. Still no movement on either bench, which is a surprise at this stage of the game.

Atletico have been much, much better in this second period, but in truth, Casillas has not really been tested on too many occasions. It is still goalless with 66 minutes on the clock at the Calderon.

Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid are in control of the possession without really threatening to make the breakthrough. Still no changes from either manager at this stage.

CHANCES! Real Madrid have a couple of excellent chances in quick succession, but Benzema decides to pass in a shooting position, before Ronaldo and Bale are both crowded out! Scramble!

Atletico manage to resist the pressure as Real Madrid deliver another corner from the right. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this game, but for who? Somehow still level in Madrid here.

Mandzukic clashes with Carvajal, which brings another clash between both sets of players. However, the referee takes the matter no further. Surely Simeone must be thinking about subbing Mandzukic.

Real Madrid continue to pass and probe outside the Atletico box, but not too much is happening in terms of chances. Little over 15 minutes remaining. Subs anyone? No sign of any yet here!

SUB! Real Madrid make the first change of the night as Isco replaces Benzema.

SUB! Atletico make their first change as Raul Garcia replaces Griezmann.

Raul Garcia almost makes an immediate impact for the home side, but the Spaniard cannot meet a deep cross from Koke. It is looking more and more likely that we will finish goalless tonight.

BOOKING! Raul Garcia (Atletico) is booked following an altercation with Ramos.

BOOKING! Ramos (Real Madrid) is also booked for his part in the incident.

Almost a wonderful chance for the home side as Turan shows excellent feet to drive past a number of challenges, but the Turk cannot feed Siqueira and Carvajal is across to make a vital clearance.

Half-chance for the home side as it breaks for Godin inside the box, but he fires over the bar.

SUB! Second Atletico change as Torres replaces Koke.

BOOKING! Suarez (Atletico) is booked for bringing Isco to the ground.

SUB! Second Real Madrid change as Arbeloa replaces Carvajal.

Good pressure from the away side in the last couple of minutes, but Atletico once again defend their box, before Modric fires just over the crossbar. Still goalless with 87 minutes on the clock here.

Torres goes down inside the penalty box under a challenge from Ramos, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh, but I have seen them given! Excellent from Torres.

BOOKING! Marcelo (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Torres.

CHANCE! Casillas flaps at a deep cross from the right, but Real Madrid survive as Torres cannot scramble home. Atletico also threaten from the resulting corner, but Casillas scrambles clear!

Penalty shout for the home side as Mandzukic smashes one at Arbeloa, but the referee is not interested. It hit the defender right in the stomach! All Atletico pressure at the moment!

We are into the first of three added minutes at the Vicente Calderon.

Scrappy end to the game here as the referee is forced to intervene following a couple of late challenges. It appears that the points will be shared as Ronaldo fires tamely into Oblak's arms.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period of this first leg to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. It is very nicely poised ahead of the second leg, which will take place at the Bernabeu next Wednesday. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for all the action. Good evening!