Real Madrid's galaxy of attacking stars initially struggled to gel this season, but coach Carlo Ancelotti kept faith and now the "fantastic four" are Los Blancos' greatest strength as they face rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

They host Diego Simeone's Atletico side on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu in the last 16 first leg, with the return at the Metropolitano stadium across town on March 12.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe joined last season's trident of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes and both the former Paris Saint-Germain striker and Madrid's squad needed time to adapt to the change.

Madrid must cope without England international Bellingham in the first leg after his booking in the play-off round against Manchester City triggered a suspension for three yellow cards.

Ancelotti has solved tactical problems throughout his storied career. Last season he replaced forward Karim Benzema with Bellingham, a central midfielder, to great effect.

Real Madrid claimed a Champions League and La Liga double, but it has taken time to click with Mbappe.

Madrid's struggles forced them into the new play-off round, where they faced English champions Man City. Finally firing on all cylinders, the holders hit six goals over the two legs.

Mbappe and Bellingham scored at City and Vinicius was named man of the match. Mbappe then netted a brilliant hat-trick at home to seal a 6-3 aggregate victory.

Madrid's fantastic four have taken flight at just the right time.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted city rivals Real have the more illustrious history but backed his own team to deliver.

Atletico are battling with Spain's big two for the La Liga title and are currently second, one point behind Barca and two ahead of Los Blancos.
Simeone believes the intense domestic battle will have no bearing on their European tie.

"I see a game with a lot of respect against a great opponent and I think they respect us in the same way," said the coach.

Highlights 

*Real Madrid have lost just one of their last 17 Champions League knockout-stage matches (W11 D5).

* Madrid boast an exceptional record in all-Spanish knockout ties, having progressed in 10 of their 12 such encounters. Their only defeats came against Barcelona (1960-61 last 16, 2010-11 semifinals).

*Atletico Madrid have lost their previous three away knockout-stage encounters in the Champions League.

*Real hold a significant upper hand against their city rivals in knockout stages of the European Cup/Champions League, including finals, as the Los Blancos have emerged victorious in all five of their showdowns in this stage, with the most recent coming in the 2016-17 season.

* However, there is a glimmer of hope for Atletico given they have won the last two European fixtures between the sides – a 2-1 triumph in the semifinal second leg back in 2016-17 and a 4-2 win in the 2018 Super Cup.

*Both of their LaLiga encounters this season have ended in 1-1 draws.

*Julian Alvarez has registered six goals in eight appearances in the Champions League this season. Only two players have ever scored more in their first Champions League season as an Atléti player – Diego Costa (8) in 2013-14 and Vava (8) in 1958-59.

* Vinicius has nine goal involvements in eight appearances in this season's competition (7 goals, 2 assists) and is looking for 10+ for the fourth consecutive edition. Ronaldo is the only other player to have done so in as many as four seasons overall for Real Madrid (8).