After the anticlimax of Tuesday's goalless draw between Manchester City and Real Madrid, the football world will be hoping for some excitement as Atlético Madrid host Bayern Munich in the second Champions League semifinal on Wednesday. These sides are widely regarded as the two top teams left in the competition, and there really is little way of predicting how things will end up.
Atlético Madrid vs. Bayern Munich 2016: Start time, TV schedule and team news for Champions League
The two best teams left in the Champions League face off in the first leg of their semifinal on Wednesday.
Though Bayern could well make a reasonable claim to having a superior set of individuals, Atléti seem to have the best team -- in the true meaning of the word -- in world football at present. Their tactical excellence means they can dominate teams despite seeing only a fraction of the possession, and they'll be hoping to do to Bayern what they did to Barcelona in the quarterfinals. Bayern should certainly be anticipating a very tough, physical encounter.
Key player: Koke (Atlético Madrid)
Koke certainly isn't the flashiest player in this Atlético Madrid team, though he may well be the most important. Having featured more regularly in a central midfield role of late, the Spaniard plays an instrumental role in Atléti's characteristic transitions from defense into attack. His excellent range of passing and fine footwork means he's always capable of triggering a dangerous counter, and Bayern coach Pep Guardiola will be eager to ensure he's given no room to work.
Recent history
These sides have only met once before, way back in the final of the now-defunct European Champions Clubs’ Cup. The first game in Brussels ended 1-1, with Atléti legend Luis Aragonés’ opener cancelled out in the very last minute of extra time by Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck. Unfortunately the replay two days later wasn’t quite so even: Uli Hoeness and Gerd Müller each scored braces as the Bavarians ran out 4-0 winners.
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Diego Godín (hamstring); Tiago (knee). In doubt: None.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Arjen Robben (adductor); Holger Badstuber (ankle). In doubt: None.
Atléti will be without defender Godín and midfielder Tiago; while Bayern’s only confirmed absentees are defender Badstuber and winger Robben.
Match date/time: Wed., April 27, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain
TV: Fox Sports 1 (US - English); Fox Deportes (US - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada); BT Sport Europe (UK)
Online: Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO (US); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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