After a loss in their group stage opener against Olympiacos, the pressure is on Atlético Madrid to get a win as they return home to the Vincente Calderón to face Juventus. The Italians can be slightly more relaxed thanks to their win over Malmö, and a win against Los Colchoneros would let them put one foot into the knockout rounds.
Atlético Madrid vs. Juventus, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
The defending La Liga champions face Juventus in Madrid needing a positive result after their opening round loss.
Denis Doyle
Atléti get a huge boost on the sideline as Diego Simeone returns at last from his eight match ban earned for making contact with an official during the Spanish Super Cup. Having their charismatic leader back on the touchline barking orders and pacing like a caged lion is a good thing for Atléti. While this isn’t a “must win” game, a loss would leave them in a big hole as they hope to advance to the knockout round for the second straight season.
For lovers of all things majestic, both in terms of style of play and beards, this game will be a disappointment as Andrea Pirlo and his beard will not be playing. Pirlo has yet to play this season as he struggles with a hip injury, leaving the world of football a little less beautiful in the process.
Juve’s all-time record in Spain is not great with with just three wins against fourteen losses and four draws. Two of those wins have come in Madrid through, so they’ve got that going for them.
Key Player: Mario Mandzukic (Atlético Madrid)
Manduzkic returned the the lineup over the weekend sporting a face mask to protect his surgically repaired nose. While he didn’t score, he was doing his job well, disrupting the Sevilla’s back line and helping create space for his teammates. Atléti will need a similar performance from the Croatian striker against Juve, and since this is the type of game they signed him for, it’s a great chance for him to shine and further endear himself to the club’s fans.
Key Matchup: Midfield vs. Midfield
While it’s tough to predict exactly what teams will do, it’s safe to assume that Juventus will try to play a conservative match against Atléti. That doesn’t mean bunkering, but it does mean staying organized tactually, picking your spots and not taking unnecessary risks. With the home side knowing they need points, it’s entirely likely that Simeone will try to have his team play more aggressively early, hoping to grab a lead an ride their strong defense to victory. The difference then will likely be made in the middle of the pitch. Juve will hope to clog up passing lines and prevent the Atléti attack from getting any sort of rhythm going, leaving Atléti with the task of finding a way though and not getting burned on the counter.
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Gabi (ankle).
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Andrea Pirlo (hip), Andrea Barzagli (Achilles).
With Andre Pirlo still sidelined with a hip injury, Claudio Marchisio is expected to keep his place in the middle of Juve's five-man midfield. Atléti only injury doubt is midfielder, and captain, Gabi who's sore ankle shouldn't keep him out of Wednesday's match.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain
TV: ESPN2, DirecTV, FOX Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada), C+ Liga de Campeones/HD (Spain), Canale 5 (Italy)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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