Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
Atletico Madrid will face Inter Milan in a crucial Champions League encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium. Both teams seek to strengthen their positions in the group as they prepare for an exciting showdown aimed at playoff contention.
Match Preview: Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan
Atletico Madrid enters the match with a compelling home record. They have lost just one of their last 16 European fixtures at the Metropolitano and have claimed victory in 10 of their last 11 matches there. Currently, they have six points in their group, necessitating a strong performance to secure advancement to the knockout stages.
Under the management of Diego Simeone, Atletico’s recent form includes five consecutive wins, with their latest success coming against local rivals Getafe. However, they have had an inconsistent Champions League run, having lost twice on English soil to Liverpool and Arsenal.
Atletico’s Recent Performances
- Champions League record: L, W, L, W
- Domestic league performance: Fourth place in La Liga
- Recent match results: 5-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt; 3-1 over Union Saint-Gilloise
In their last Champions League meeting, Atletico triumphed over Inter Milan in the 2024 knockout phase, winning on penalties after securing a victory at home. This history adds an intriguing narrative to their upcoming matchup.
Inter Milan’s Champions League Aspirations
Inter Milan boasts an impressive record in the current Champions League season. They sit atop their group with 100% success after four matches, having scored at least two goals in every game. The Italian team is coming off a tough domestic loss in the Derby della Madonnina that has affected their Serie A standing, dropping them to fourth place.
Inter’s Recent Performance Snapshot
- Champions League record: W, W, W, W
- League performance: Fourth place in Serie A
- Recent match highlights: 2-1 win against Kairat; defeated in the recent derby against AC Milan
Despite their impressive form in the Champions League, Inter has struggled against Spanish teams, winning just one of their last 15 group-stage matches against them. This adds an element of pressure to their upcoming match against Atletico Madrid.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Atletico Madrid may face lineup challenges due to injuries. Key player Robin Le Normand is sidelined, and there are concerns over the availability of Marcos Llorente and goalkeeper Jan Oblak. If Oblak cannot play, Juan Musso will step in for his first European appearance this season.
Inter Milan may also deal with absences. Denzel Dumfries is struggling with an ankle injury and will likely miss the match, joining Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian on the sidelines. Lautaro Martinez, however, is set to make his 50th UEFA Champions League start.
Potential Starting Lineups
| Atletico Madrid | Inter Milan |
|---|---|
| Musso | Sommer |
| Molina | Akanji |
| Gimenez | Bisseck |
| Hancko | Bastoni |
| Ruggeri | Henrique |
| Simeone | Barella |
| Barrios | Calhanoglu |
| Koke | Zielinski |
| Gonzalez | Dimarco |
| Sorloth | Martinez |
| Alvarez | Esposito |
This matchup is pivotal for both teams as they aim for progression in the Champions League. As the tension rises, expect an intense battle on the pitch.
Prediction
Given their recent forms, a draw appears likely. Both teams will strive for valuable points, making it a tightly contested game. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1 – 1 Inter Milan.
