AC MILAN VS ATLETICO MADRID
AC Milan and Atletico Madrid lock horns in the famous San Siro on Tuesday as both the outfits look to grab the first three points of their Champions League campaign. Diego Simeone’s men were held on by a brave Porto side while Milan lost to Liverpool 3-2 in a jaw-dropping encounter.
Gearing up for #MilanAtleti with our @pumafootball International Cup training collection 👊
In rampa di lancio verso la Champions League con il nostro training kit PUMA International Cup 👊#UCL #SempreMilan
Powered by @BitMEX pic.twitter.com/qCG598Ntyp
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 27, 2021
With both outfits hunting for their first Champions League victory, the battle between the two teams could be a mouth-watering game. Milan’s return to Champions League football wasn’t the best as they succumbed to a loss to Klopp’s Liverpool. But the Rossoneri performed considerably well and if they play with the same enthusiasm against Los Rojiblanocs, Simeone’s men could be in trouble.
🎙️ The Boss and @Brahim ahead of our #UCL home debut 💪
🎙️ Mister Pioli e Díaz alla vigilia di #MilanAtleti 💪 #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/QKSdN7sRnd
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 27, 2021
Braham Diaz has established himself into Pioli’s goalscoring option after Ibrahimovic’s absence. The Italians have become a formidable force playing at San Siro and could be a challenge for Atletico. Under Stefano Pioli, AC Milan has become a strong opposition in Italy.
But if they want to replicate the heroics of the other Milan outfits they would need to showcase themselves in Europe as well. A win against Atletico Madrid could be a perfect reply to all those people who have doubted Milan all these years.
Simeone on AC Milan 🎙️
❝We are going to face a strong opponent who play very dynamic football.❞#UCL pic.twitter.com/bjTuUYtB8l
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 27, 2021
While Argentine manager Diego Simeone has a humongous task lying in front of him. The likes of Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Joao Felix have failed to score goals for their team constantly putting the La Liga champions under pressure.
The goalless draw against Porto was an example of how shambolic Atletico’s forward battery has been this summer. They lost against Alaves could serve as a wake-up call for Simeone’s team and if Atletico Madrid needs to take their Champions League journey forward, the game against AC Milan is quite crucial for them.
TEAM NEWS
Other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s long-term injury the Italians don’t have any other absentees. Olivier Giroud and Davide Calabria are back from their injuries and could be available for selection. AC Milan will be hoping Simon Kjaer is fit and available for selection.
AC MIlan’s Probable Line-Up: Maignan; Hernandez, Tomori, Kjaer, Calabria; Kessie, Bennacer; Leao, Diaz, Saelemaekers; Rebic
While Atletico Madrid is bolstered by Felix’s presence in their squad.
📋 The team for Milan. pic.twitter.com/hRC2GC2dFc
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 27, 2021
Atletico Madrid’s Line-Up: Oblak; Gimenez, Savic, Hermoso; Kondogbia; Lllorente, Carrasco, Koke, Lemar; Suarez, Felix
GAME CHANGERS
BRAHAM DIAZ
Spanish player Braham Diaz could turn the scoreline in Milan’s favour against defensively strong opposition. Brahim Diaz is a headache for opponents due to his diminutive frame.
He is exceedingly speedy and impossible to catch because of his low centre of gravity, and he can make rapid transitions and defeat opponents in one-on-one confrontations. Diaz has the potential to explode swiftly, although his top speed isn’t as high as some other wingers.
Despite this, he is a wizard whenever in command of the ball, displaying exceptional close control when gliding through defenders and has a strong first touch. This feature allows him to shatter the lines of opposing defenders, allowing him to progress the attack.
With Atletico Madrid’s defence looking a bit dodgy and shaky at times, Diaz could dart towards the goal and add to his tally. He scored Milan’s second goal against Liverpool and already has 3 goals and 1 assist to his name in the Serie-A.
JAN OBLAK
Diego Simeone’s most reliable player, goalkeeper Jan Oblak could be the player to watch out for Atletico Madrid. The goalkeeper has racked up staggering numbers during his tenure at the club. Oblak’s stature and performances at the club have risen from strength and once again he could prove to be a thorn in Milan’s side.
AC Milan has netted a goal in all the seven games they have played this season and only a keeper of Oblak’s quality could break their streak.
Atletico Madrid might have not scored numerous goals this summer but haven’t conceded a lot. Standing like a brick wall, the veteran goalkeeper concede just 25 goals in La Liga last summer. Jan Oblak’s presence in Atletico Madrid’s lineup could bolster their hopes of victory considering the quality of the player and how he motivates Los Rojiblancos with his jaw-dropping performances.
PREDICTION
With both sides looking for their first three points, the game between AC Milan and Atletico Madrid could be a spicy affair.
While Atletico’s woes in front of goal could help Milan, the Italian would need a strong attacking display to penetrate Atletico’s defence. FootTheBall predicts that the game between Atletico Madrid and AC Milan will end in a 1-1 draw.