Atlético Madrid travel to Sweden to play Malmö FF in their Champions League Group A fixture on Tuesday, and Diego Simeone's side shouldn't be expecting a walkover. Malmö have already pulled off one upset in downing Olympiacos 2-0 so far in this tournament, and Malmö's home advantage should ensure a repeat of the 5-0 win Atléti picked up in the reverse fixture doesn't occur here.
Malmö vs. Atlético Madrid, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Malmö face a tough test at home to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Denis Doyle
However, there is no doubt that the Spanish champions are strong favourites to win this match, and anything other than the three points would be a disappointment for Simeone’s side. They’ve won four games on the bounce in all competitions, and will be looking to use the momentum they’ve picked up to book their place in the knockout stages as quickly as possible.
Key player - Mario Mandžukić (Atlético Madrid)
The man who will be looking to do the damage for Atlético Madrid in this match will be striker Mario Mandžukić, who has made a good start to life in Spain after making the move from Bayern Munich in the summer. If the Malmö defence can keep him out of the game, they’ll have done well.
Key matchup - Atléti vs. Malmö‘s deep defence
Given that they’re one of the smallest teams in this year’s competition, it’s not surprising that Malmö have looked to sit deep and defend in numbers so far in their Champions League campaign. They’ll no doubt look to do so again in this match, and deny Atléti the space to use in their trademark counter-attacks.
Malmö injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Tiago (bruised thigh), Cristian Ansaldi (hamstring).
Malmö should have a full-strength team to choose from, though Atléti could be without midfielder Tiago and defender Cristian Ansaldi, who are both in doubt.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Swedbank Stadion, Malmö, Sweden
TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), TV6 Sweden (Sweden), C+ Liga de Campeones / HD (Spain)
Online: ESPN3 Online-App, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Viaplay Sweden (Sweden)
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