Ace Football previews the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, and offers the latest betting tips, line-ups, odds, and team news.
58 days since lifting the Champions League trophy for the sixth time, Bayern Munich must now begin the defense of their title at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Lokomotiv Moscow and RB Salzburg are in Group A alongside the reigning champions and their foes. Progression to the knockout stages is expected. But in Atletico lies a direct rival for the all-important top spot.
Neither side has produced their best form during this frenetic start to the season either. Although their previous encounters have been close affairs, with only a single goal separating them in their last four Champions League meetings. Both teams claimed two wins apiece and no draws.
Bayern Munich Form & Stats
Hansi Flick’s side haven’t been at their customary best this season following the quick turnaround. In fact, they began the 2020/21 campaign just over three weeks after winning the Champions League in August.
Not helping matters is a congested schedule, which played a part in their shock 4-1 loss to Hoffenheim on September 27. It’s left players drained and, therefore, led to rotations by Flick. And while the international break has just ended, they’re already preparing for their third game in six days.
A four-match winning run in all competitions, however, leaves Bayern in good stead at the Allianz Arena. The hosts have scored 14 goals and conceded six in the process.
Serge Gnabry’s absence, meanwhile, will be felt after the winger tested positive for COVID-19. He played an instrumental role in the club’s European success last season. And with Leroy Sane also out, Douglas Costa could make his first start since returning on loan from Juventus.
Key Team Stats
- Won 32 of their last 34 games in all competitions (D1 L1).
- Won their last 11 Champions League games.
- BTTS in five of their seven games in all competitions this season.
- Over 4.5 goals in their last five games in all competitions.
- Robert Lewandowski has already supplied seven goals and four assists in six games this season.
Atletico Madrid Form & Stats
The visitors haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to their own respective campaign, but remain unbeaten in LaLiga after four games (W2 D2). Beating Celta Vigo 2-0 on the road last Saturday was a solid effort.
Despite dropping points to Huesca and Villarreal, Atletico can go top of the league standings if they win their games in hand. So, all in all, it’s been a decent start even if the results and performances are unspectacular.
The one key area Atletico need to improve is in the final third of the pitch. While they’re normally sound defensively, the lack of goals is underwhelming. Only two goals, in fact, have come in the club’s last three games.
Diego Simeone is aware of this and acknowledged his side must take their chances against Bayern. Failing to do so could be problematic against the free-scoring European champions. All eyes will be on Luis Suarez, who has supplied three goals and an assist in his first four appearances.
Although the loss of Diego Costa to a muscle injury on his left thigh may hurt their chances in Germany.
But what last season’s quarter-finalists lack up front, they make up for in the backline with no goals conceded in their last three games.
Key Team Stats
- Lost three of their five away games in last season’s Champions League (W2).
- Kept a clean sheet in their last three league games.
- Under 2.5 goals in their last five away games in all competitions.
Team News
Bayern Munich: Leroy Sane, Tanguy Nianzou, & Serge Gnabry (all out); Chris Richards (doubt).
Atletico Madrid: Jose Gimenez, Sime Vrsaljko, & Saul Niguez (all out).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Head-To-Head Record
First Team To Score
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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