Atlético Madrid vs. Malmo, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview

Atlético Madird welcomes Malmö to the Vincente Calderón for the first meeting between the two sides in 50 years. Back in the 1966/67 season, Luis Aragonés scored in both legs at Atléti defeated Malmö 5-1 in the first round of the European Champion Clubs’ Cup. This time, they’ll meet in the third Group A match for each side.

Atléti rebounded nicely from a disappointing, and very uncharacteristic, opening match day loss against Olympiacos with a superb defensive performance in a 1-0 win over Juventus. After giving up three goals to the Greek club, Diego Simeone was pleased to see his team look more like themselves against the defending Serie A champions.

Group A is the only group where all for teams have three points, leaving the race to advance to the knockout round wide open. With limited number of games, every group stage match is generally important, but as we reached the halfway point of group play, having six points would be a lot more favorable than having three. Basically, a loss doesn’t end either Atléti’s or Malmö‘s hopes, but it would make their lives harder in the second set of games.

Watching Diego Costa tear up the EPL has to be a little sad for Atléti fans. Fortunately, the addition of Mario Mandzukic over the summer has helped fill the void left by the Spanish striker’s departure to Chelsea. He’s not quite the combustable force that Costa is, but he’s not the type of player to back down from physicality or a challenge, which is probably why Simeone went out and got him.

Key Matchup: Atléti’s use of possession vs. Malmö‘s defensive tactics

Typically Atléti are happy to let their opponent have the better of possession so they can spend their time frustrating them in the midfield and burning them with counter attacks. Against Malmö though, chances are the Spanish side will have more of the ball since the Swedes are likely to sit back and hope for Altéti to make mistakes they can pounce on. If that’s how things play out in Madrid, it will be important for Diego Simeone’s men to be smart in possession and crisp with their passing. Basically just play like they did against Juve and they’ll be fine.

Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions

Out: Tiago (thigh), Gabi (muscle), Cristian Ansaldi (muscle).

Malmö injuries and suspensions

Atléti’ deep midfield will be a bit thin with both team captain Gabi and Thiago out with muscle injuries. Left back Cristian Ansaldi is sidelined as well with a muscle problem. Several Malmo players are carrying knocks into the match, though Markus Halsti has been playing through his groin injury over the past couple week.

Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain