Sid has signed off for the afternoon. Thanks for reading and commenting. Here are those previews again:
• Champions League quarter-final previews
Best XIs from around Europe this week, plus previews of Atlético Madrid v Real Madrid, Juventus v Monaco, PSG v Barcelona and Porto v Bayern Munich
• Fernando Torres happy with cameo role at Atlético Madrid
With Atlético hosting Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Torres’s role has changed since his first spell at his boyhood club but so have recent results against their bitter rivals
• Lionel Messi says he is back to his best after a difficult year
Lionel Messi has acknowledged that he is back to his best for Barcelona after a difficult year in which he was accused of tax fraud and suffered numerous injuries.
And, if you are in the mood to watch some golazos while waiting for Sid, here are the best goals of the week, featuring Messi, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski and Forest Green.
Enjoy the match.
Emmanuel Mketu asks:
As both teams play in Madrid, is there any real advantage of a home tie or could Atlético thrive at the Bernabeu while Real Madrid feel less pressured at Calderon?
guardiansystemssuck asks:
Has there been any progress on a shared TV deal?
Guardian staff Looks like it, yes. Tebas says a govermen t decree will now go through. It won't be very equal still but it will be better
Disequilibria asks:
Hi Sid. What do you think of Valencia’s improvement this season and how do you think they’ll cope in the next season’s Champions League (assuming they qualify, as looks likely)?
Guardian staff I think they'll do quite well. Want to see what happens in the summer though, with the players they sign but also structurally, in terms of coaching staff etc.
Waleed Zeb asks:
Mourinho or Simeone: who’d you want to manage your team?
Guardian staff Updated
Dwai Banerjee asks:
Will Juan Fran be able to exploit Ronaldo’s selfishness on the right?
Guardian staff I think he's more likely to be trying to stop Ronaldo getting past him than the other way round, to be honest.
Shellott asks:
Sid, How united is the Real Madrid dressing room really? Is poor morale at least in part to blame for recent struggles? Just seems the ongoing Casillas/Arbeloa divide can’t make for a very happy team, particularly when Arbeloa is being portrayed as the real captain, which can’t please Casillas (or Ramos, I’d imagine).
Guardian staff I think they've reached a point of mutual acceptance now. They don't like each other, sure, but they're both pretty much just getting on with it. By the end, Mourinho did sort of united the dressing room in the sense that almost all of them were against him ... it's actually not a bad dressing room now, for the most part. Ancelotti was struck when he arrived at how keen they were to win, in part to prove a point post-Mourinho. In that sense, odd though it sounds, he might have been a beneficiary of the way that Mourinho had left what appeared to be a mess.
EuanDewar asks:
Hey Sid! Obviously both Madrid teams will badly want to win this derby and, of course, the Champions League as a whole. But putting that self-evident fact aside, what are the priorities otherwise for the two teams this year? Is it more important for Ancelotti to win the league this year given that he got Madrid the Decima last year but couldn’t manage the league?
Guardian staff Ultimately, the Champions League trumps all else but, yes, there's something in that idea of needing to wi the league in one of his two seasons here
AtlantaCule asks:
Sid, is it possible that Perez’s disenchantment with Ancelotti comes from Carlo seeming to confirm the stereotype that he’s good in Europe, but not in winning domestic leagues? If Real don’t pip Barca, then Perez will say to himself “best squad in the world and he couldn’t win La Liga in either of two seasons.”
Guardian staff
AndroidSheep asks:
Aleti have played a rather aggressive game against Madrid in their recent fixtures; will they come unstuck playing this way in front of stricter Champions League referees?
Guardian staff I suppose it's a possibility. I'm not entirely sure that Ch Lg referees are stricter than La Liga ones, though... it may be the other way round.
Tagave asks:
Hi Sid. Would you say that bringing in Torres has ultimately been a good decision on Simeone’s part? His goal return seems OK-ish but isn’t the rift it seems to have caused between Mandzukic and the coach a greater concern?
Guardian staff Good question. I'm not entirely sure where the fault lines lie with Simeone and Mandzukic and Simeone's recent defence of Mandzukic felt a little like an attempt to fix the situation and did not entirely convince. I think Mandz wasn't that pleased with Torres's arrival. Torres has been useful, his attitude has been good, but you're right that it may be a factor in Mandzukic and Simeone becoming a little more distanced. Maybe that will change now after Simeone came out to bat for him
Millybob asks:
Hi Sid. Will Atleti have to do their annual “sell a big player in the summer” this year again, if so who would it be, Koke?
Guardian staff I think they may get away with not selling this year, but at some point I do expect Koke to go, yes.
hankjanson asks:
Something I’ve always been curious about but never seen addressed: what kind, if any, of relationship exists between Ronaldo and Messi? They’ve been the two best footballers on the planet for a while, it seems, but I never hear them talk about each other, never see them talk to each other at functions or during matches. Do they text? Does one ever comment about the other? Are there rumours about mutual respect or undying enmity? enquiring minds want to know. Thanks.
Guardian staff I think they get on ok, in a slightly distant kind of way. There's been a greater maturity about the relationship of late. Nice footage from Zurich: Ronaldo basically calls Messi over to tell him that his son (Ronaldo's son) watches him on telly and talks about him.
Here’s a link to the video
Francis Tayo Adegbite asks:
Hi Sid. How do you think Real Madrid will unlock Alético Madrid’s tough defence?
Guardian staff
GuruOfAll asks:
Hi Sid. Do you think Real Madrid will try to score one or two goals right at the start and then sit back? An away goal for them may be as good as winning the tie or do you believe Atlético have the ability to win away at the Bernabéu?
Guardian staff I think both sides (rightly or wrongly) are very, very conscious of the importance of a potential RM goal tonight that would then condition the second leg very heavily.
neoviolence asks:
Hi Sid. When Champions League games are on (certainly games of this magnitude), what time do Spanish people eat their dinner? 8pm? 11pm? Whilst they watch? Been bugging me for a while now
Guardian staff
Dwai Banerjee asks:
Slightly off base, but thoughts on Cazorla’s return to Oviedo?
Guardian staff
dbgtFO asks:
Any predictions, Sid? I for one would say Real Madrid will take the tie, but probably draw tonight and win at home. Atletico are going up against Real Madrid at the worst possible time, so if they do manage to oust the holders, I’d be shocked. In any case given that the games tonight seem very tight, I’d say 0-0 in both of them.
Guardian staff Predictions are always a hiding to nothing ...
but ...
I think RM will go through. I suspect they may even win tonight and make it quite a smooth ride.
RealRegista asks:
Could Valencia challenge for the title next year? If they get into champions league, do the think the new owners invest more? Also Sid your Spanish football podcast is absolutely amazing. My only complaint it that you should make it much longer!
Guardian staff Thanks.
they will invest again and I think that, in coaching terms, they are in good hands. But FFP means you can't just go mad and buy everyone you want. I think they will get stronger and be closer, yes. Not sure about competing for the title, though. Let's see what happens in the summer.
Francis Tayo Adegbite asks:
Hi Sid, I know Ancelotti has stated on numerous occasions that we attack with 433 and defend with 442 but I am not completely sure this is the best system and formation to beat Aleti. What do you think?
Guardian staff
Dwai Banerjee asks:
Also, is it safe to say that Simeone has been the coach to make the most dramatic impact on any team in recent years?
Guardian staff
StuartOxlade asks:
Two things - how are Atletico not the favourites for this tie when they’ve virtually dominated Real over the course of the last six battles they’ve had against each other (this coming from a Real fan here)?
Secondly - do you think Odegaard will need to move away from Castilla sooner rather than later to avoid the bashing that the Spanish press have been giving him?
Guardian staff Good question. But I guess that, no matter what else happens, you look at the players they've got ... and the whole ChLg aura and that ...
I don't think the Odegaard bashing is that bad, in truth. It probably feels awful to him, but the amount of news focused on him is actually quite limited. The story that got everyone excited, while damaging and painful to him, was a news story rather than a conscious character assassination. Also, I think the point has been missed a bit in the aftermath to it: his contract stipulates that he trains 5 days a week with the first team. So it's natural that he should try to cling to that.
ClamBuster asks:
What is the main half time snack at a Spanish football ground?
Guardian staff For journalists? Nothing. I've usually finished my big bag of sweets by then too. Other people take sandwiches in tin foil. And sunflower seeds, of course. Pet shops in Manchester sold out when RM were there, or so they say.
antman asks:
Hi Sid. Some people think that derbies/clasicos bring out the worst in everyone - as we saw at QPR on Sunday. Personally I think they’re great. Does the positive outweigh the negative for you on these occasions in Spain?
Guardian staff
johnnyG79 asks:
Do you think Bale has a future at Madrid and do you see both Bale and Ronaldo playing for Real next season if Zidane takes over?
Guardian staff For the first time, I am starting to doubt that Zidane will be the manager next season ...
In any case, yes, I see Bale and Ronaldo both at Madrid next season.
robelsolomon asks:
How come Gámez got booed at Málaga, while Isco gets cheered on there? Isco was only there for two years.
Guardian staff
rndeyir asks:
Hi Sid. Do you think Ancelotti should use both Isco and James to probably have more control in tight spaces, since both are them more technical than Bale? I feel Bale will be of no use because he is an explosive player who likes to run into open spaces with the ball. Atleti will never give him that. James can be more use up front to link with Benzema and Ronaldo while Isco will be important in central midfield with his quick feet (where I think James will be wasted if Bale starts upfront.)
Guardian staff I think it would be logical to do so, in search of control, but I don't think it'll happen. the key may be whether he can get Bale to drop into the middle four. If he does that, he's going to be very useful of course.
zumbion asks:
Hi Sid, slightly (only ever so) off the Champions League, but with Real constantly chopping and changing their keeper, what is the percentage chance of De Gea turning out for them next season or the season after?
Guardian staff
Rahul Ghosal asks:
Hi Sid. Do you think Benzema will stay at Real post summer? And is there any chance of Jese and Chicharito getting gametime tonight?
Guardian staff He'll stay, yes.
Jese and Chicharito may get some sub minutes, but I doubt they'll get many.
Jonwoo asks:
Sid, if Bayern and Barça make it through and draw each other, how would you foresee the build-up to that match would play out (returning hero?). And who would win?
Guardian staff Huge, for a start. And here will be a lot of hero's return stuff. But it might also turn nasty. The entorno (for which there isn't really a proper translation ... the environment, the politics, social splits, battles, media etc) is nasty at the moment and it would not take much for that to come to the surface. And, yes, bizarre though it sounds, Guardiola is a key figure in the divisions. the current board are not actually that keen on him ... and their lackeys in the media have done quite a bit to try to diminish/downplay his significance. At times it is comic in how ridiculous it is.
efilsgod asks:
How likely is it that Varane could be allowed to re-join Mourinho at Chelsea in the summer?
Guardian staff Very doubtful because RM recognise that they have an exceptional cb there, even if Ramos and Pepe are playing ahead of him. Any departure would depend on him pushing hard for it, and I'm not convinced that will happen
James Hancock asks:
Hi Sid. Given what Atlético achieved in the league last year, do you think other clubs in the league will be able to take heart from it and mount their own challenges, or do you think it will remain a largely two-horse race for the coming decade or so?
Guardian staff Even Simeone kept saying that it was impossible ... and last year may well be the most impressive title win ever. I think other teams can believe that they can get close but most will think, barring massive investment and time and luck, that any challenges will be largely isolated. I don't think we'll see many non RM/FCB title winners in the next 30 years. (But then I never imagined Atletico would win the title either)
fotobirajesh asks:
Sid, I think this match would be a turning point in the streak of recent derby results, as Madrid has got back all their injured players, especially Modric, who is their real man. I suspect Atlético might lose this time.
Guardian staff James, Modric, Pepe, Ramos all missing last time ... yes, could change things. Also, Atletico have not really looked at their best since the 4-0
robelsolomon asks:
How’s Oblak thought of at Atleti? He cost a lot of money, but so far Moyà’s outperforming him.
Guardian staff Moya has been playing and to start with Simeone wasn't that happy with Oblak (there was a sense that he was not the manager's signing) but with Moya's injury he has played well and was of course vital in the last round. If he carries on well, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him stay in goal. Moya is coming back to fitness now.
puredale asks:
Hola Sid, I am in Madrid today and would like to know the best place to watch Madristas watch the game?
Guardian staff Guardian staff
efilsgod asks:
Do you think Real have already identified another galactico for next season, or will theirs be more of a summer of strengthening across the board and the squad rather than one expensive (unnecessary?) attacking addition?
Guardian staff De Gea is a clear target. Another midfielder: Ancelotti would love Pogba but I don't think it's going to happen. They've looked at Reus and contacted him. Not sure how that will end up.
Maaruthy Kumaar asks:
Hi Sid,
1) Now that Atlético and Real Madrid will play eight times this season, I think this rivalry warrants a book. Don’t you , Sid? :)
2) I know not many people have talked about this, but what are your thoughts on Marc Andre Ter Stegen? He’s played only cup tourneys and Barca have reached the final of one. He’s excellent on his feet and I think he would make a decent defensive mid.
Cheers for the articles and the pod!
Guardian staff 1. God, no! (I couldn't face it).
2. My impression of him so far, based on limited appearances is that he is very good, perhaps better than Bravo (who makes good saves but I think projects less of a sense of control and security).
Cheers.
Updated
DavidVilos asks:
Hi Sid, what’s the chances Atlético will go through to semi-finals according to you? And key battles?
Guardian staff Hard to judge, but I feel like RM are favourites ... midfield has been a key battle in the games this year. Atletico have usually outnumbered RM there. Set play too ... but as Ancelotti said "don't forget we won the Ch Lg from a set play"
How important will the return of Pepe be to the derby? He has been very consistent and has not had many disciplinary issues in the last two seasons.
Guardian staff Very important. I think he's been excellent this season and they missed him when he was out in the 4-0 Nacho and Varane were the cbs). the team is quicker, more aggressive and more secure with him, happier to push higher too.
Conor Turtle Melaugh asks:
Hi Sid big fan of the work. Do Real Madrid see De Gea as a realistic option for next year. If not, as a Spurs fan who has already seen our best players lured away to Madrid, is there any danger Lloris could join this list? (From a disillusioned Spurs fan)
Guardian staff No real suggestion of interest in Lloris. They believe that De Gea is likely, although perhaps not as quickly as this coming summer. The situation with Casillas is complicated too: political and messy.
theflyingscotsman2 asks:
Sid, surprised at your comment that Perez holds little love for Ancelotti. Where do you think this stems from? Do you think even a successive C/L win woulnd’t be enough for him to stay? If Carlo does go, who is the next Real manager? I’ve heard the Zidane stories, but as you’ve commented in the past, next season could be too early... Is there any front runners for the job?
Guardian staff It's kind of baffling, because for many years he chased Ancelotti and this was the third time he had tried to sign him. A deal had been done in 2010/11(?I think) but Milan would not let him go. But Perez quickly felt disenchanted. Hard to properly understand why, it makes little sense. I think post-Mourinho, Perez is a different president with slightly different ideas. Privately, he has been far from an Ancelotti defender from really quite early, which is striking. In part, I think there's an element of him thinking: I built this great squad, anyone could manage it. the relationship fluctuates but is not healthy, frankly.
KentonCooooool asks:
Will Madrid opt for the bastardesque pressing that served them so well last year? Will Raul Garcia get the nod?
Guardian staff Atletico Madrid? Quite likely. They'll be keen on denying space in midfield, I would think. That's one of the constants from the six games.
FalconRosesMoustache asks:
Hi Sid, when the draw was made, which team would you say were happier?
Guardian staff
KBania asks:
Hi Sid, which club has the best steak and kidney pies?
Guardian staff
efilsgod asks:
Hello Sid. Have you been surprised by how successful Griezmann has been at Atleti this season? He seems to almost be their main man now. Were you surprised that no one bigger (with all due respect) came in for him after several solid and promising seasons as Sociedad? Can Atleti hang on to him long-term?
Guardian staff Not entirely, no, as he was a great player already. But I didn't expect him to be quite this good or to score so many goals (18 in the league ... I think 21 overall but I'm not sure). I'm not sure that a bigger club than Atletico could come for him. Madrid? Barcelona? With their forward lines, it was unlikely. Bigger in England? I'm not sure if there was a team there chasing him and I'm not sure if he would have seen them as bigger. Granero, meanwhile, said Atletico were no bigger than Real Sociedad. Which of course is not true.
Galtino Pecambuano Humphrey asks:
Hi Sid, do you think Ancelotti might start without a proper forward (Benzema) just to shore up the midfield and match Atléti boot for boot. And if he was to do that do you think it will work?
Guardian staff No, I think the team will be as usual. What I think he will do is try to enforce a more defensive mindset, particularly on Bale. He talks a lot about it being 442 in defence, opening into a 443 in attack, but that's frankly not true. And for it to be true, it depends on Bale becoming an extra midfielder, which only rarely happens. That said, in big games, the mentality is different
OsasunaOrLater asks:
What do you think Torres’ contribution will be tonight? Fancy him to score?
Guardian staff I expect he will come on as a sub, if at all. Simeone has said that Mandzukic will start.
FernandoPando kicks things off, asking:
Hi Sid. If (and that is almost certainly a massive if) Bale leaves in the summer, who do you reckon will replace him in Real Madrid’s front line?
Guardian staff RM are insistent that Bale is not going anywhere, both publicly and privately. And Bale's camp too see no reason to move on. I can see a reorganisation of the forward line though, not least because even with Bale staying it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see them sign some sort of star attacking player in the summer. Marco Reus is a player they have kept a close eye on and his contractual situation makes him reasonably easy to sign. I don't know yet whether that will happen but it is certainly a probability. Also, we're seeing an evolution in Ronaldo's style, more and more a number nine, so we may see shifts in the structure, formation and style. Not least because the most likely outcome at the moment is Carlo Ancelotti moving on. There are already offers from elsewhere and, odd though it sounds, Pérez has very little love for him.
Sid will be online from 1pm BST to answer your questions
In the meantime, here are this week’s Champions League fixtures and some of our match previews:
Tuesday
Atlético Madrid v Real Madrid
Juventus v Monaco
Wednesday
Porto v Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona
• Champions League quarter-final previews
Best XIs from around Europe this week, plus previews of Atlético Madrid v Real Madrid, Juventus v Monaco, PSG v Barcelona and Porto v Bayern Munich
• Fernando Torres happy with cameo role at Atlético Madrid
With Atlético hosting Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Torres’s role has changed since his first spell at his boyhood club but so have recent results against their bitter rivals
• Lionel Messi says he is back to his best after a difficult year
Lionel Messi has acknowledged that he is back to his best for Barcelona after a difficult year in which he was accused of tax fraud and suffered numerous injuries.
And, if you are in the mood to watch some golazos while waiting for Sid, here are the best goals of the week, featuring Messi, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski and Forest Green.
Enjoy the webchat.
I think away goal rule means that it's always significant