Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid – UEFA Champions League – Preview

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Sreya

Bayern Munich hosts Atletico Madrid at Allianz Arena, Munich as the German club aims to overturn a single goal deficit in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Atletico Madrid put up an exceptional defensive performance at Madrid during the first-leg, winning due to a solitary goal from Saul Niguez. It is expected to be a lively contest between two clubs with managers of contrasting tactical styles. An evenly matched contest, temperament is likely to play a key role in deciding the winners of this particular tie.

Team News

Arjen Robben and Holger Badstuber are confirmed absentees for Bayern Munich while Franck Ribery faces a late fitness test. Atletico Madrid will be without Tiago and Diego Godin.

Bayern Munich Possible Starting Lineup: Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Javi Martinez, David Alaba, Juan Bernat, Xabi Alonso, Douglas Costa, Thomas Muller, Arturo Vidal, Kingsley Coman, Robert Lewandowski.

Atletico Madrid Possible Starting Lineup: Jan Oblak, Juanfran, Raul Gimenez, Stefan Savic, Felipe Luis, Saul Niguez, Augusto Fernandez, Gabi, Koke, Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“We mustn’t think about how many goals we must score. We need think first about defending well and controlling the game. We want possession and we want goals. Atleti defend very well, but they are also going good up front. It is complicated to play a team like them. They know each other so very well. We will create chances, if perhaps not too many.”

– Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich.

“Our work over the last few years is paying dividends now. We have experienced guys mixed with some new players and they are all really great to work with them. That is reflected by our results.

We were sharp in the first leg and we will see how sharp we are tomorrow; and how sharp Bayern are. Every game is different. We want to win, that’s our plan. We want to play well and enjoy our success. But above all, what matters most is that we make the final.”

– Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Atletico Madrid won their only previous meeting with Bayern Munich. Atletico have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine matches in the UEFA Champions League. Since losing the 2014 semi-final to Real Madrid, Bayern have won eleven successive home matches in the Champions League.

Although it should be a closely contested affair, a 1-1 draw is the most likely result, which will send Atletico Madrid through to the finals of the UEFA Champions League.