Real, Atletico put up "Madrid derby" in UEFA Champions League semi-finals

Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-21 20:42:04|Editor: Tian Shaohui
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PARIS, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Last season's finalists Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will meet in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, their head-to-head in the tournament's knockout stage for the fourth consecutive season.

Meanwhile, emerging Ligue 1 side Monaco will take on Juventus as the drawing ceremony was held in UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

Defending champions Real Madrid have won all three previous encounters against Atletico Madrid in 2014 and 2016 final, and 2015 quarter-finals.

Monaco, who have tallied 141 goals so far in all competitions this season, will strive to break up the tough defense of Serie A leaders, who eliminated La Liga giants Barcelona 3-0 in the quarter-finals, for their first appearance in the final during the past 13 years.

"Monaco is a strong team with many talented players and an impressive run this season. We have to be careful, but the goal is clear," tweeted Juventus full-back Sami Khedira.

"It will be a tough tie. Juventus are a great team. We now have a chance to advance to the final. It's fantastic! We'll throw everything at it," commented Monaco striker Valere Germain.

The first legs will be on May 2 and 3, with the return legs in the following week. Real Madrid and Monaco will begin the showdown first at home. The final will be held in Cardiff, Wales on June 3.

Manchester United, who featured in Europa League last four with Thursday's extra-time victory, will meet Celta Vigo in the semi-finals. The other duel will be between Ajax and Lyon.

The Europa League semi-finals saw Ajax and Celta Vigo play at home first on May 4, and the second legs will be on May 11. The final will be scheduled in Stockholm, capital of Sweden on May 24.

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