# Atlético Madrid Employs GTA Humor to Ease Tension Before Champions League Showdown with Real Madrid
The UEFA Champions League has returned, and one of the most thrilling matchups in the Round of 16 is the Madrid derby featuring Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid. As these fierce city rivals gear up for their clash, Atlético Madrid has already set a light-hearted tone with a tongue-in-cheek social media post inspired by the iconic video game *Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas*.
## **Atlético Madrid’s Memorable GTA Meme**
On their official social media platforms, Atlético Madrid shared a meme showcasing the memorable scene from *GTA: San Andreas*, where the main character, CJ, famously states:
> **”Ah sh**, here we go again.”**
This line has turned into a popular meme portraying frustration or inevitability, and Atlético’s incorporation of it captures the essence of facing Real Madrid once more in a crucial Champions League battle.
The club’s English-language Twitter account tweeted the meme alongside the caption:
> **”We have another (two) Madrid derbies before GTA 6.”**
This witty nod not only highlights the regular meetings between the two sides but also playfully references the much-anticipated launch of *GTA 6*, projected for 2025.
## **A Legacy of Champions League Disappointment**
For Atlético Madrid, taking on Real Madrid in the Champions League stirs painful memories. The two teams have collided numerous times in this competition, with Real Madrid frequently emerging victorious in dramatic circumstances.
– **2014 Final**: Atlético was on the brink of securing their inaugural Champions League title before Sergio Ramos’ last-second equalizer sent the match into extra time, resulting in a 4-1 victory for Real Madrid.
– **2016 Final**: Another gut-wrenching defeat for Atlético, this time decided by penalties after a 1-1 draw during regular time.
– **2017 Semifinals**: Real Madrid once again thwarted Atlético’s hopes, knocking them out and denying them a spot in the final.
Given this backdrop, it’s no wonder that Atlético supporters might experience a sense of déjà vu when their team is pitted against Real Madrid once again.
## **Recent Triumphs Over Real Madrid**
Despite previous Champions League challenges, Atlético Madrid has found greater success against their city rivals in recent seasons. This season alone, they’ve managed to beat Real Madrid twice out of three meetings, including a notable **4-2 win in the Copa del Rey**.
This indicates that Atlético is stepping out of the underdog role and emerging as a formidable contender capable of overcoming their more illustrious opponents. Thus, the use of the GTA meme may not only reflect frustration but also extend a playful challenge to Real Madrid.
## **What to Anticipate from the Madrid Derby**
The upcoming encounters between Atlético and Real Madrid promise to be exhilarating contests. With both sides in impressive form, fans can look forward to high-octane football, tactical duels, and potentially some drama.
The first leg is slated for **March 4 or 5, 2025**, with the return leg planned for **March 11 or 12, 2025**. UEFA will announce the precise kick-off times shortly.
## **Other Champions League Matchups**
While the Madrid derby is certainly a highlight, other thrilling fixtures are also lined up for the Round of 16:
– **Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen** – A German clash between two Bundesliga heavyweights.
– **Borussia Dortmund vs. LOSC Lille** – Dortmund seeks to navigate their challenges against a robust French team.
## **Final Reflections**
Atlético Madrid’s use of *GTA: San Andreas* humor is a clever approach to engage supporters and lighten the atmosphere ahead of a crucial Champions League encounter. Whether this meme will stand out as an assertion of spirit or yet another chapter in Atlético’s saga of heartbreak against Real Madrid is yet to be determined.
One thing is certain: football enthusiasts worldwide will be keenly watching as these two Spanish powerhouses face off once more.