Introduction
UCL returns to Germany as defending champions Bayern Munich kickstart their title defense against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. The Spaniards have been one of the strongest defenses across Europe are up against the free-flowing attack of the Bundesliga outfit.
Form
Bayern
Last Season Treble winners and current UCL champions, Bayern are THE team to watch out for this season. They have started the new season on a high note apart from their one blip against Hoffenheim. The Germans are back to their best with a convincing 4 -1 victory against newly promoted side Arminia. Thomas Muller and Lewandowski scored 2 goals each in that encounter. They have a total of 24 goals in 6 games that are 4 goals per match.
Atletico Madrid
On the other end, Atletico Madrid has a typical start to their La Liga season. From their 4 games so far, they have won 2 and drawn 2. However, they are the only team to remain undefeated in La Liga so far. Recently they defeated a stubborn Celta Vigo side before flying off to Germany. Their newly acquired signing Suarez and Carrasco scored goals for them.
Team News
Bayern
The Flick side has some injury concerns. They ace summer signing Sane is out injured. Also two of their young defenders Niazou and Richards are out injured. Also, winger Serge Granbry is out with a virus for this match.
Atletico Madrid
Simeone’s side will miss their ace striker Costa who is out with a thigh injury. Also their right-back Vrsalijko is injured. There are some doubts about the availability of ace Centre Back Gimenez. As per the reports he has picked up a knock and hence is doubtful for this game.
Head to Head
These two sides have met 4 times so far and the score is a tie with a 2-2 scoreline, two wins for each team. The two clubs last met each other back in 2016 4 years ago. The side German side was victorious at that time with the slightest of margins by one goal.
Tactics and Predicted Lineups
Bayern
Flick will go with his tried and tested formation in 4-2-3-1. In defense, David Alba is expected to start alongside Sule. With Felix expected to make start, playing a slow-paced Boateng might be a risky move for Flick. He might also hand Lucas Herandez a starting spot against his former team. Pavard and breakout star of last season Davies will likely occupy wide defensive spots in that back four. Kimmich and Goretzka are the best bests to slot in that double pivot as the two CDM in the heart of Bayern’s midfield. Moving onto their that 4 man attack, Muller and Lewandowski are the first few names on the team sheet. With Leroy sane out injured, Flick might play Kingsley Coman on the left side of the attack. Rejoining Bayern Munich after a stint in Italy, Douglas Costa is expected to fill up at the right-hand side of the top 4.
Atletico Madrid
Simeone is likely to stick to his much favored 2 striker system and is expected to play 4-4-2 tonight. Diego uses the two flanks wisely to provide protection especially against possession-based teams like Munich Savic and Felipe look to start at the heart of Madrid’s defense. They might not be good passers of the ball but can certainly provide along with balls for forwards on the counter-attack. Atletico Madrid has got two talented and gifted fullbacks to complete their back 4 in Tripper and Lodi. Their midfield will be extremely crucial in deciding the result of the game. Torreria, Koke, Carrasco, and Saul are expected to have a key role in the outcome of the match. With Diego Costa out injured. Simeone is likely to pair the in-form Luis Suarez with the young Joao Felix.
Key battles
Oblak vs Neuer
It will be an interesting battle between these 2 goalkeepers. Neuer has been one of the best keepers that the game has ever seen. The German shot-stopper has been in fine form and will be a key man in that Bayern team. While Oblak is one of the best goalkeeper in recent times. His save percentage was most from the goalkeeper last season. Both will look to keep a clean shit and would do all possible to avoid conceding
Lewandowski v/s Suarez
Lewandowski has been the top scorer for the Champions League with 15 goals last season He has carried his form of lethal goalscoring from last season into this season as well. He has scored 7 goals in 6 games for Bayern. Two of them came in the last match a few days back. Also, he has got 4 assists in all competitions so far. Thus he is going to be a key man for Bayern.
Suarez might be looking for revenge for that 8-2 lost against the Germans as that result led to him getting kickers from Barcelona. The Uruguayan had a dream start for his life in Madrid scoring 3 goals in 4 games played so far. The attle battle between the top 2 no.9’s in world football is not something you want to miss out on.
Goretzka v/s Koke
Koke has been the main man under Simeone Atletico. He is a tactical discipline and acts as a hub of source for the team. He does the dirty work for the team. His presence gives the team much needed balance and stability. He also takes set-pieces at times.
On other hand, Goretzka provides robustness in that Bayern midfield. He breaks up the play and initiates swift attacks on the break. He is a threat in the box. His darting runs provide additional edge to the attack. This battle between these two will be interesting to watch.
Conclusion
This clash will be an Attack vs Defence, one has the most lethal attack in Europe while the other is amongst the most well-organized defense in Europe. The match promises to be a mouthwatering encounter full of “Ooohh’s ” and “Aaahhh’s”.
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