Pep Guardiola’s deadly attack and Diego Simeone’s unbreakable defence will be put to the test together tonight when Bayern Munich play Atletico Madrid in their UEFA Champions League semi-finals the first leg.
As the first leg is in Madrid, Atletico will have an edge over the German giants.
Atletico has become a strong force to beat in Europe since Diego Simeone’s arrival. Simeone created a team-first attitude inside the players’ minds and it has helped the team become one of the toughest sides to beat in the Europe.
“Atletico have developed an idea and they pursue it consistently,”
“We know it’s going to be a very difficult match at the Vicente Calderon. In terms of atmosphere, it’s one of the best arenas in Europe. We have to focus on our play, we mustn’t lose control if we’re to achieve a good result for the return.” – said Bayern midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Atletico midfielder Augusto Fernandez also expressed his views about the gameplay of both sides:
“You can play football with different styles. Bayern has its own style and we have ours,”
“We play to win every game, and it’s easier if we don’t concede any goals.”
Team News:
Diego Simeone is expected to field a team without the defender Diego Godin, who recently picked up a muscle injury, so Godin will join the sidelines along with Tiago. On the other hand, Guardiola’s side got a big boost with Jerome Boateng’s return. Boateng hasn’t played since he picked up a groin injury in January, but possibilities of him being in the starting line-up are pretty high. Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres also returns after completing his one-match ban and is will play alongside Antoine Griezmann up front.
Bayern Munich’s Holger Badstuber and Arjen Robben, both are long-term injury absentees, whereas Jerome Boateng and Kingsley Coman’s fitness is still a doubt for Pep Guardiola.
Pep is expected to field a 4-1-4-1 formation which may convert to 4-3-3 if needed.
Atletico Madrid: Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
Oblak,
Felipe Luis, Hernandez, Gimenez, Juanfran,
Koke, Gabi, Fernandez, Saul Niguez,
Torres, Griezmann.
Bayern Munich: Predicted Line-up (4-1-4-1)
Neuer,
Alaba, Kimmich ,Martinez, Lahm,
Alonso,
Ribery, Vidal, Muller, Costa,
Lewandowski.
Key facts and Stats:
The clubs already faced each other in the final of 1974, and Bayern snatched first of their five European Cup, by winning the match. Atletico Madrid are yet to win the UEFA Champions League. They are in the semi-finals stage for the third consecutive time in three seasons.
Bayern Munich are in the semi-finals for the fifth consecutive season. Bayern also tops the charts of the Champions League this season in shot attempts on goal, with 86, which averages almost nine shots each game.
The Rojiblanco have lost only two times in 29 games in all competitions this season, and only once in La Liga, playing at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.
Conceding only five goals in this season’s Champions League, the fewest along with local rivals Real Madrid shows how fierce and strong Simeone’s defence is.
Prediction and Betting Odds:
This is a fascinating draw with so many expectations from both the managers, both Guardiola, and Simeone are arguably two of the best football experts, thus, it is almost impossible to see what is coming. But according to the pundits, the Calderón should help Atlético Madrid to grab a 2-1 victory over Bayern.
The betting odds are:
Atletico Madrid win: 2/1
Draw: 11/5
Bayern Munich win: 13/8