In a highly anticipated Champions League Group E showdown, Atletico Madrid is gearing up to face Feyenoord in the Spanish capital, aiming for their first group stage victory after a dramatic last-minute equalizer on the opening day.
Match Preview
Atletico Madrid was left reeling in their 2023-24 European campaign when a 94th-minute equalizer at Stadio Olimpico denied them a triumphant start.
Despite this setback, Diego Simeone’s squad displayed resilience by bouncing back with a stunning 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, followed by wins against Osasuna and Cadiz, propelling them to fourth place in the domestic standings.
However, with their recent Champions League struggles, including just two wins in their last 11 group matches, Atletico Madrid knows the pressure is on.
Simeone is determined to avoid another group-stage elimination and secure a spot in the knockout stages this season.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, enters this fixture with less pressure after a convincing 2-0 win over Celtic in their Champions League debut.
This Dutch champion has shown promise with two consecutive wins in Europe’s top club competition, contrasting with their previous 20-game record.
Feyenoord’s recent performance has been impressive, scoring 26 goals in their last six games and remaining unbeaten in eight matches.
Star striker Santiago Gimenez, despite his suspension for this match, has been instrumental in their success.
Nevertheless, Feyenoord must overcome their dire away record in the Champions League, having lost seven of their last eight fixtures outside of their home ground.
Atletico Madrid Champions League form: D
Atletico Madrid form (all competitions): W L D W W W
Feyenoord Champions League form: W
Feyenoord form (all competitions): W W W W W W
Team News
Atletico Madrid will welcome Alvaro Morata back into the lineup after his suspension against Cadiz.
Despite Angel Correa’s impressive performance with a brace last weekend, Morata is expected to start.
However, they will miss the services of Pablo Barrios, Thomas Lemar, Caglar Soyuncu, and Reinildo.
Rodrigo De Paul may feature, and Memphis Depay hopes to recover in time for the match.
For Feyenoord, Santiago Gimenez’s suspension continues, and Ayase Ueda is likely to replace him.
Luka Ivanusec and Justin Bijlow remain sidelined. Timon Wellenreuther will stand in as the goalkeeper.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak;
Azpilicueta, Witsel, Hermoso;
Molina, Saul, Koke, Llorente, Galan;
Griezmann, Morata
Feyenoord:
Wellenreuther;
Geertruida, Trauner, Hancko, Hartman;
Timber, Wieffer;
Minteh, Stengs, Paixao;
Ueda
Prediction:
As Atletico Madrid aims to change their fortune in the Champions League, they face a fearless Feyenoord squad missing their star striker.
With this window of opportunity, Simeone’s men are likely to secure a victory by the narrowest of margins.
Scores: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Feyenoord