Atlético de Madrid continue their Champions League quest on Tuesday night by welcoming European giants Bayern Munich to the Estadio Metropolitano.
In what is the fourth matchday of this season's league phase, Atleti will be looking to add to their current tally to boost hopes of finishing in the top eight. Currently, Los Rojiblancos have a total of four points with a 1-1-1 record in their first three games in the competition. Last time out, Diego Simeone's side held on for a point away at VfB Stuttgart, so they need a result at home to a much tougher German opposition this week.
As for Bayern, they remain unbeaten after three games, but a 1-2-0 record is still a way off from where they'd ideally want to be at this stage. A frustrating 3-3 draw away to Atleti's next Champions League opponents Viking halted progression significantly. Both Bayern and Atlético will be confident of picking up the pace in the remaining league phase fixtures, but a win on Tuesday will ease leaderboard pressure for the winning side.
This is, of course, a repeat of a European Cup final played 52 years ago in the days of Luis Aragonés and Adelardo Rodríguez. In the match that birthed the idea of " El Pupas ", Bayern Munich were victorious to claim their first continental crown in the competition, and one that started a run of three consecutive years of European rule.
In more recent history, Atleti have the better memories; Saúl Ñíguez's outrageous solo goal put his team on course to send the Bavarians home at the semifinal stage in 2016. In fact, at home, Atlético are unbeaten against Bayern Munich across three occasions, all falling within the last 11 years. An extension of this run will be greatly sought under the lights this week.
The big news from an Atleti point of view is the return of club captain Koke. The number six hasn't featured since Oct. 10, during which time has suffered a hamstring injury and the loss of his mother. Marca are reporting that he will be among the squad list for this Champions League match, showing no problems when sprinting and striking the ball in Sunday's training session. A couple of months away from his 35th birthday, Koke still remains a key figure in the team, whether that's from the beginning or midway through a match.
As well as the Spaniard, defender Cuti Romerois also likely to feature after appearing amongst the substitutes on Saturday away to UD Levante. The Argentina international has missed the last three fixtures, but now returns at a crucial instant. He trained in the gym on Monday, and it remains to be seen just how much of a role he can play against newly-crowned Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kaneand company.
It is hoped then that it will be just the one injury-related baja from the Atleti squad, as Marca reports that Johnny Cardosois still sidelined for what will be his fourth missed match of the season already. The USMNT did feature in team training on Monday morning, according to Pascual Ruiz , but his inclusion in the matchday squad would be a last-minute and surprising one. Fellow midfielder Morten Hjulmandwill also miss the match following the red card he picked up against Stuttgart two weeks ago.
As for Bayern Munich, their list of absentees gives cause for belief among rojiblanco fans, with six first-team players ruled out for Tuesday night's encounter. Key players such as Michael Olise, Luis Díazand Jamal Musialaform part of the injured crop, with legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neueralso a doubt. Attacking options Serge Gnabryand Ismael Saibariare confirmed out with hamstring and ankle injuries.
Olise took part in Bayern's team training session on Monday , so he will travel with his team to Madrid, but it is unknown how much of Tuesday's contest he can play.
Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; Koke, Barrios; Giuliano, Baena, Lookman; Alvarez
