Kylian Mbappe has expressed his desire for Real Madrid to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. The French superstar, who recently scored a hat-trick against Manchester City, believes a derby clash would be an exciting challenge for both teams and the fans.
Softfootball reports that Mbappe sees the local rivalry as a unique opportunity to showcase their quality on the European stage.
The forward emphasized that playing against Atletico is always intense due to their defensive strength and tactical discipline under Diego Simeone. He noted that while it would be a difficult tie, the competitive nature of the derby makes it an appealing prospect for any player who thrives in high-pressure environments.
Mbappe explained his preference by stating that these matches define seasons and create lasting memories. He suggested that overcoming their city rivals would be a significant statement of intent for Real Madrid’s ambitions to win another European title this campaign.
