Recent Form:-
Atletico Madrid – LWWLDW.
AC Milan – LWLLLL.
It’s been contrasting domestic fortunes for the two sides who meet at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday night. While Atletico look to keep up the pace with league-leaders Real Madrid, Milan languish 10th in the Serie A 17 points adrift of Juventus at the top.
Hosts Atletico are having a dream season under coach Diego Simeone. Few can argue that they were always meant to be playing at this level. The loss of Radamel Falcao has only spurred the side from Madrid to achieve further glory. Riding on the performances of Diego Costa, Simeone’s men saw off a resilient Milan side a fortnight ago and came away with a vital win and an away goal advantage. The Spaniards look likely to end their 17 year wait to progress from the round-of-16 in the Champions League. A tough, gritty performance from Atletico is what is expected. The have been unbeaten at Home in Europe and will look to continue that run. Simeone will, however, miss the serices of inspirational Gabi and Javi Manquillo but will have Brazilian Felipe Luis returning from injury.
Clarence Seedorf has taken over the reins of the Rossoneri for a while now. The Dutchman has mad a mixed start to his managerial career, 13 points out of a possible 24 doesn’t make good reading. However, the fans back him to restore Milanese pride and having fired up players like Kaka and Balotelli, a spirited performance full of Heart is the least you can expect from this Milan side. Seedorf will be without his skipper Montolivo due to suspension and his starlet Stephan El Sharawaay due to injury. However striker Balotelli should be fit enough to start for the red-and-blacks.
A close encounter is in store for all viewers. Football romantics will back Seedorf to pull an absolute rabbit-out-of-the-hat but logically A Diego Simeone shut-out is in order.
