Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his side's Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid is going to be defined by fine margins.

The two teams, currently separated by just one point in La Liga, meet on Tuesday in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with the return leg on March 12 in Atletico's Metropolitano Stadium, and speaking to the press on Tuesday, Ancelotti said he expected the tie to be close.

"It's going to be a really close tie and it will be decided in the return leg, but our aim is to play well and take a lead," said Ancelotti.

"The game is going to be even and very competitive and we can't think about getting a big lead," he admitted.

Ancelotti had criticized his players after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Real Betis and again insisted they had "lacked attitude" at the weekend. "I hope that is an isolated case," he said.

The coach also gave a hint to his team selection for Tuesday, commenting that players who rested at the weekend, such as Eduardo Camavinga, "could get their chance tomorrow."

"Atletico is more vertical in its football and is dangerous on the break, but I won't change our style, mentality or focus," he insisted.