A monumental clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid is set for Wednesday at 9:00 PM, following a close first-leg defeat in the Champions League. Both clubs, known for their French talent, feature prominent players like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé. Griezmann leads Atlético, while Mbappé shines at Real Madrid. The article explores the contributions and current form of French players in both teams as they prepare for this historic rivalry.
A Clash of Titans: Madrid’s French Connection
In a thrilling encounter set for Wednesday at 9:00 PM, both Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are gearing up for a monumental showdown. Following a narrow defeat in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at Santiago Bernabeu (2-1), Antoine Griezmann and his teammates must rally to reverse the outcome. This will mark the 218th meeting of these fierce rivals, a rivalry that has flourished since 1929, and both clubs share a unique affinity for French talent, boasting a combined total of seven French players this season. Let’s take a closer look at these athletes.
French Stars at Atlético de Madrid
Antoine Griezmann, a beloved figure at Atlético, first joined the club in 2014 and quickly became a fan favorite under coach Simeone. Apart from a brief stint at FC Barcelona, Griezmann is synonymous with the Colchoneros. As he approaches his 430th appearance for the club, the 33-year-old has already played 40 matches this season, participating in all Champions League fixtures (9), and boasting impressive statistics with 6 goals and 3 assists.
Next in line is Thomas Lemar, who holds the title of most appearances among French players at Atlético, with 182 matches. After joining the club post-2018 World Cup for a whopping 72 million euros, his career has seen a decline, with limited game time under the Argentine coach. This season, Lemar has featured in just 5 matches, including a mere nine minutes in the Champions League during a victory against Salzburg.
Clément Lenglet, on loan from Barcelona, adds depth to the squad. After joining last summer, he has gradually established himself as a vital component of the defense, with 24 appearances this season, including 6 in the Champions League. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury just before the recent match against Getafe, leaving his availability for the upcoming game uncertain.
In the defensive lineup, we also acknowledge Robin Le Normand. Originally from Côtes-d’Armor, France, he became a Spanish citizen in May 2023, earning his first cap shortly thereafter. In his inaugural season with Atlético, Le Normand made a solid impression despite a head injury that sidelined him for two months, achieving 21 starts out of 25 matches played.
The French Force at Real Madrid
One of the most high-profile transfers this summer was undoubtedly Kylian Mbappé, whose arrival attracted over 80,000 fans to Santiago Bernabeu. This season, despite a quieter phase, he has still netted an impressive 29 goals and provided 6 assists across 42 matches, including 11 Champions League appearances (7 goals and 2 assists).
Ferland Mendy, who joined from Lyon to fill the void left by Marcelo, is now an irreplaceable starter for Real Madrid. Having won two Champions Leagues, he is set to play his 200th match in the iconic white jersey on Wednesday. Mendy has had a consistent season, featuring in 26 matches, and has only missed one Champions League game.
Eduardo Camavinga, the young midfielder, is also closing in on 200 matches with Real Madrid, currently at 171 since his move from Stade Rennais in 2021. His adaptability has seen him excel in both midfield and left-back roles, proving to be a crucial player for Carlo Ancelotti. Despite facing a muscle injury that kept him sidelined throughout January, he has returned to the pitch, starting in the first leg and leaving a lasting impression.
Lastly, Aurélien Tchouaméni, who joined a year after Camavinga, has made 126 appearances for Real Madrid. A regular starter under Ancelotti, Tchouaméni’s versatility allows him to play both in midfield and central defense, although he prefers the former. He has started every match since January 25, showcasing his impressive form as a key player for the club.