Atlético’s home record gives Bayern’s depleted attack a steep climb
Both sides need points to move closer to the Champions League's top eight, with Bayern one point ahead of Atlético after three matches. The visitors arrive without Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari, while Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer have returned to training and travelled with the squad.
Atlético have made life difficult for German sides in Madrid. Sixteen home matches against Bundesliga opposition have passed without defeat, and that record gives Diego Simeone a strong platform. But Bayern are not a side that can be kept quiet simply by taking away a few attacking options.
Atlético’s home record and Bayern’s attacking absences give Simeone’s side a narrow edge, although the visitors still have enough quality to threaten.
Simeone's team arrive in good order, with four wins and a draw from their last five matches and just one goal conceded. The defensive discipline is there. The question is whether Atlético can carry it into a game against an opponent who have scored in 24 consecutive Champions League matches. Bayern may be short of familiar names, but they have not lost their habit of finding the net.
The latest injury news makes the task more complicated for the visitors. Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari are unavailable after the 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund, joining Luis Díaz and Jamal Musiala on the sidelines. Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer have travelled after returning to training, however, giving Aaron Danks some welcome options.
Harry Kane remains the threat Atlético must account for. Cutting off his supply will matter, but sitting too deep would invite the pressure Bayern are accustomed to applying. The absences give Atlético an opportunity to take control; they do not remove the need to defend the space around Kane. That is where Simeone's side will have to get the balance right.
