If Carlo Ancelotti's troops knock out the 'Rojiblancos', it would go a long way towards rectifying the wayward course taken by their campaign back in February. Furthermore, the morale boost would spur them on in their bid to win all their remaining La Liga matches, reaching the 94-point mark which could well be enough to land the title.
On the other hand, if Atlético end their fabled city rivals' dreams for the third time this season - they prevailed in the Spanish Super Cup and dumped the 'Blancos' out of the Copa del Rey - both Ancelotti and more than half a dozen of his players would be on borrowed time. A summer overhaul would ensue at the Bernabéu, including the installation of a new coach.
The Real players are more pumped than ever and are gunning for revenge in the upcoming derby double-header. Álvaro Arbeloa issued a rallying cry on the pitch at the Bernabéu after the win over Eibar, stressing that the squad are "full of hope and motivation" ahead of the Champions League quarter-final tie.
Jesé also weighed in: "We'll be going to the Calderón brimming with optimism, knowing we have the second leg to come at home. We have to get a result and show what Real Madrid are all about".
