Top Stories

UCL Preview: Atletico looks to shut out Bayern to reach final

Fernando-Torres-1-Atletico-Madrid-Getty

Another shutout will see Atletico Madrid reach the UEFA Champions League final for a second time in three campaigns.

The Spanish club heads to Allianz Arena where it will play Bayern Munich in the decisive second leg of their semifinal series on Tuesday (2:45 p.m., Fox Sports 1, ESPN Deportes TV, WATCH ESPN, Fox Soccer 2GO). Atletico currently has a 1-0 aggregate lead over the German Bundesliga club, and Diego Godin will give its back line an added boost.

Godin missed the first leg due to a hamstring injury, but he is healthy and fit enough to be selected should head coach Diego Simeone want him in the starting lineup. Tiago is the only notable absence for the second leg.

Arjen Robben is still suffering from a hamstring injury, so the Dutch international will miss the second leg for Bayern. Franck Ribery, however, should be available for selection despite not playing in Bayern’s 1-1 tie against Borussia Monchengladbach over the weekend.

Of the teams remaining, Bayern arguably has the most potent offense with Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski leading the charge up front. However, Atletico has a reputation for frustrating even the world’s best attackers. The Spanish club has recorded an incredible six consecutive shutouts, including ones against Barcelona and Bayern.

Atletico will look toward Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann to score, knowing that if one of them nets an away goal, Bayern’s task becomes much, much more improbable.

Think Atletico will progress to the final? Will Bayern mount a comeback at home?

Share your thoughts below.

Leave a Comment