Champions League – Group A – Monaco vs Atletico Madrid
8:00 pm BST (00:30 am IST)
Wednesday 18th September ( Early 19th morning India)
Venue: Stade Louis II
The Champions League is a competition which draws the attention of millions of football fans from all around the world with it’s sheer splendor, glorious history and ever-unpredictable nature. Who could have imagined a possible qualification for La Liga giants Barcelona after a dismal 4-0 loss against Paris St Germain in an away clash?
However, the magic of the competition and unbridled passion in the hearts of Barcelona’s players motivated them to achieve the impossible, breaking record after record with nothing but the sheer desire of earning a spot in the next round.
Well, this edition of the Champions League is going to witness another historical feat tonight with Atletico Madrid all set to battle it out for the first time in history against Ligue 1 outfit Monaco at home.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone reiterated his confidence in the capabilities of his players following a shock 1-1 draw against Eibar with an extra time equalizer saving the side from a mountain of embarrassment.
Read More | Diego Simeone: Atlético Madrid’s Campeon |
La Liga outfit finished bottom in the group stages of the Champions League last season before emerging victorious in the Europa League.
However, with the addition of the likes of Thomas Lemar and Rodri, Atletico Madrid will be fancying their chances of making a comeback and enjoying European glory at the end of the season.
The visitors are in a spot of bother themselves having accumulated only 5 points in their first 5 games with the loss of Lemar and Fabinho proving tough to digest for the side. Injuries at crucial intervals have also proved fatal in nature for the Ligue 1 outfit with manager Leonardo Jardim promising an improved performance against Atletico at any cost.
Form Guide
This match will witness Atletico winger Thomas Lemar’s first ever clash against his former side with Monaco striker Radamel Falcao enjoying a trip down memory lane having featured for Atletico in the past.
Both the sides will be eager to establish their supremacy over the other with a dominant performance which will set the stage for the rest of the tournament.
Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim on the quality of his team’s opponents:
“They are a renowned team: Atletico won the Europa League last season and have been Champions League finalists twice in recent years. They have talented players with a lot of experience. We will try and win and to achieve our goal, which is to qualify for the knockout stages. The Champions League is always very difficult. There are a lot of big teams involved.”
Read More | What Next For Leonardo Jardim And His Monégasque Project? |
Atletico manager Diego Simeone on his ambitions for this season’s Champions League:
“We’re not thinking further than the group. We don’t have the luxury of thinking ahead of Monaco. If we keep thinking one game at a time and keep growing, destiny will take us wherever it takes us. But to get there, we have to win first.”
Predicted Lineups
AS Monaco (4-1-4-1): Benaglio, Sidibé, Glik, Jemerson, Henrichs, Bennasser, Chadli, Tielemans, Ahoulu, Grandsir, Falcao
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak, Juanfran, Godín, Giménez, Filipe Luis, Correa, Koke, Saúl, Lemar, Costa, Griezmann
EADF Prediction: 0-1
Form Guide via BE Soccer
Team News via Whoscored
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