Atletico Madrid play hosts to Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich in what promises to be a blockbuster tie at the Vicente Calderon. The first leg of the second semi-finals in this year’s UEFA Champions League will prove to be crucial for the visiting Bayern Munich side and especially their coach Guardiola. Having gone out in the Semi Finals of the Competition in each of the last two editions, he will be aiming to break the glass ceiling in his last season as Bayern Munich manager. Guardiola's biggest worry will be his defense, with Javi Martinez and David Alaba being the most likely Center-Back combination. It will be interesting to see what formation they play.
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Diego Simeone, having issued a rallying cry to his side after winning the last round. His team boasts the incredible stat of more clean sheets than goals conceded in La Liga. A clean sheet would go a long way in helping Atletico take a significant advantage into the second leg at the Allianz Arena. The biggest loss for them is losing the leadership and physical prowess of Deigo Godin at the back through a hamstring injury.
It’s that time of the year when Pep pulls rabbits from his hat. He tried that ridiculous formation last year against the Barcelona trivet. He might be trying something similar this year as well, to score against an Atletico Defence who did the unthinkable by comfortable keeping at bay a Barcelona Team which admittedly a bit out of form is the best in the world on their day. The impetus will be on Pep’s team as the likes of Griezman and Carrasco are lethal on the break.
Fernando Torres has enjoyed a rejuvenation of sorts at Atletico. He played the role of the hero and also the villain in the first leg of the match against Barcelona. There is a legitimate chance of him starting today's game.
The key men for Bayern Munich will be their wingers, with Atletico’s defensive set-up of two banks of four space is likely to be in the wings. Ribery fitness and pace will be tested, and a lot will be expected of Douglas Costa in Arjen Robben's absence. Here are a few Stats which defines the form of the two teams coming into the match.
Key Stats:
- Atletico Madrid has kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 matches.
- Bayern Munich has scored 2 or more goals in 7 of their last 8 matches.
- Bayern is undefeated in their last 7 games.
- Atletico Madrid has recorded 22 clean sheets and has conceded only 16 goals in La Liga this season.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Channel: Ten Action (Now Known as Ten 2)
Date and Time: 28th April 2016, 12:15 A.M. IST
Venue: Vicente Calderon, Madrid
Live Streaming: http://www.tensports.com/football
Betting Odds: Atletico Madrid: 21/10; Draw: 21/10; Bayern Munich: 13/8
