Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid’s start to their UCL campaign has been far from convincing. Both teams have failed to clinch wins consistently and are lurking mid-table. Bayern currently stands 14th in the UCL table, having accumulated 5 points in their three games with just a single win.
On the other hand, Atlético sits 16th with just 4 points in their three games. Both these teams have shown contrasting strengths throughout the season; while Bayern has backed on their offensive prowess, Atlético has time and again gone back to their old-school defensive rigidity.
Now, as these two top teams meet in Madrid, it has given rise to an exciting clash, especially with both teams in desparete need of points.
Last Few Games In UCL
Bayern Munich tipped off their UCL campaign on a bright note. Led by a brace from Michael Olise, they thrashed Bodo/Glimt 5-0 to clinch their first win in the competition. Next up, they had to take on Viking in a game that seemed to be entirely in Bayern’s hands, considering the form they had been in this season.
However, the German club shockingly settled for a 3-3 draw against the Norwegian club, despite Harry Kane’s brace in the game. Munich faced the strongest challenge of their campaign in the last gameweek when they had to take on Arsenal. The Bavarians once again settled for a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid started their campaign with a 1-2 thrashing against Liverpool FC, but returned strong immediately in the next contest against Manchester United, clinching a 2-0 win. The third game of their UCL campaign against VfB Stuttgart ended in a 1-1 draw.
Bayern Munich: 14th
- Win: 5-0 vs Bodo/Glimt
- Draw: 3-3 vs Viking
- Draw: 2-2 vs Arsenal
Atlético Madrid: 16th
- Loss: 1-2 vs Liverpool FC
- Win: 2-0 vs Manchester United
- Draw: 1-1 vs VfB Stuttgart
Team News
Bayern Munich is coming into the clash against Atlético Madrid with an array of injuries. Their head coach Vincent Kompany will be absent from the sidelines after his collapse during a training session a few weeks back. Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer are also doubtful for the game after a lower-leg and foot injury, respectively.
Other confirmed players who will be absent from this UCL clash include Serge Gnabry (hamstring), Ismael Saibari (ligament tear), Jamal Musiala (thigh), and Luis Diaz (hamstring).
On the other hand, Atlético’s situation is relatively better in terms of fitness. Cristian Romero is reportedly back in training with the squad after missing a couple of games due to a low-grade adductor strain. Club captain Koke will be out of the contest due to his recovery from a left thigh muscle injury, while midfielder Johnny Cardoso will also be unavailable for this matchup.
Possible Lineups
Atlético Madrid:
Jan Oblak, Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero, David Hancko, Alejandro Grimaldo, Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Pablo Barrios, Alejandro Baena, Julián Álvarez, Ademola Lookman
Bayern Munich:
Sven Ulreich, Konrad Laimer, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof, Alphonso Davies, Harry Kane
Head-to-Head
Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid have played each other for a total of eight games across European competitions. The German club has had the better of Atletico most of the time, clinching four wins in those games. The Spanish giants have clinched two wins, while two games between the two clubs have ended in a draw.
The last time these two clubs faced each other was during the 2020-21 season in the UEFA Champions League. In the first leg, the German club clinched a stellar 4-0 win over the Spanish giants at the Allianz Arena, led by a brace from Kingsley Coman. Atlético was able to hold off Bayern to a 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano, but it didn’t matter after the thrashing they sustained in the away leg.
Both teams have moved on from that contest behind closed doors during that phase of football. Bayern Munich is now looking to script success under their new manager, Vincent Kompany, while Atletico search for glory under Diego Simeone.
Where Will The Game Be Decided?
Bayern Munich’s primary weapon to win games this season has been their offense. Behind the likes of Harry Kane and Michael Olise, the German club boasts one of the most terrifying attacking duos in Europe. With Olise’s absence in the game on Tuesday, Bayern will feel even more under pressure going into the contest. In this situation, Kane will be one of the key players to watch out for against Atlético.
The German club has also been vulnerable at times on the defensive block throughout this season. In an away game like this, their defenders, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, will have to be locked in throughout the game, while Joshua Kimmich will have to fortify the defensive shortcomings from the CDM position.
For Atletico, they will look to employ their rigid defensive system that Diego Simeone employs. Thus, the backline of Romero, Grimaldo, and Llorente will be key players from their perspective. Although Bayern is coming shorthanded of players in the game, these players will need to make sure that they eliminate the threat of Harry Kane from the game.
Julian Alvarez will be another key player who can dictate Atletico’s fate in the game, especially during the offensive transitions during the game.
Prediction
The array of injuries that Bayern has sustained recently has put the German team on the backfoot. Without the likes of Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise, they lack the sheer essence of creativity from the wings. However, with an in-form Harry Kane and with the likes of Pavlovic and Kimmich, the German club might just edge away the hosts at the Metropolitano.
Our Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-1 Atlético Madrid
Odds
- Bayern Munich win: 40%
- Draw: 25%
- Atlético Madrid win: 35%
Most of the sentiment around the game has aligned towards the German club, giving a safe option for the bettors. Atletico Madrid, however, remains at a touching distance of Bayern in the possibility game, with a marginal 5% difference separating the two teams.
Kickoff Time
The Bayern Munich-Atlético Madrid match will tip off at 8:00 PM GMT at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday (November 3). François Letxier from France will be the match official for this anticipated UCL clash, while Jerome Brisard from France and Piotr Lasyk from Poland will be on VAR duty for the game.
