Everyone wanted to see a Pep Derby and a Madrid Derby in the Champions League semifinal, but really, this is the next best thing. For the first time since their respective managers have arrived, Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich will face off in the Champions League.
While the other tie between Manchester City and Real Madrid is going to feature more exciting, wide-open play, this tie should feature the higher level of soccer. If you're a tactics nerd, this is your nirvana. Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone might bust out things you've never seen before just to impress the other.
And even if they don't, the clash of styles between these teams and their regular tactics should be great to watch. There's usually very little to love about a team packing 11 men behind the box, but Atléti do it so well against the world's top attacking teams that you can't help but admire them. And not only will Bayern have to break it down, they'll have to be ready for the Rojiblancos' excellent counter-attack as well.
Key matchup: Thomas Müller vs. Gabi It's the man who invented a role on Football Manager -- the space investigator -- vs. Atléti's key man in denying the spaces that Müller loves to investigate so much. Their positions won't line up exactly, but they'll be seeing tons of each other during this tie.
Key player: Koke
Whatever outside the box tactics Simeone wants to try, Koke is the man who makes them work. He's just as much of a defensive midfielder as a playmaker, and he can play any position in the center or on either wing. He's often given a role where he changes positions with or without the ball. Koke is crucial to everything Atléti does in all phases of play.
Pep's side looks like the best in the world right now, and there's no reason not to predict that they'll win every time they step onto the pitch. But they also haven't been their best in their two Champions League ties, and Atléti are definitely the toughest opponent they've faced yet. Expect Bayern to get through, but just barely.
Pep Guardiola will have to overcome Diego Simeone’s defensive masterclass if he is to reach May’s final and win the competition for the first time since arriving in Bavaria.
Head-to-head
Bayern Munich 1 Atletico Madrid 1 European Cup final, 15 May 1974
Bayern Munich 4 Atletico Madrid 0 European Cup final replay, 17 May 1974
The two sides have only played each other twice before - in the 1974 European Cup final.
Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck scored in the last minute of extra time to deny Atletico the trophy, forcing a replay two days later. That time, Bayern ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.
Start predicting correct scoreline now to stand a chance of winning 1k Recharge card
I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist
Posted: at 24-04-2016 07:19 AM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Slimchery at 24-04-2016 10:49 AM (8 years ago) (m)
Poster you are very sick where on earth did you get this date and information from,How is it be possible to change a date already been fix for 27-04-2016 to 24-04-2016 in football which is even today tha la liga german leaque ,italia leaque and premier leaque is going to play, so creasy and stupid post, quicly delete it before i come back
Posted: at 24-04-2016 10:49 AM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac
dickieponga at 24-04-2016 04:16 PM (8 years ago) (m)
Quote from: Eros Okundaye on 24-04-2016 10:49 AM
Poster you are very sick where on earth did you get this date and information from,How is it be possible to change a date already been fix for 27-04-2016 to 24-04-2016 in football which is even today tha la liga german leaque ,italia leaque and premier leaque is going to play, so creasy and stupid post, quicly delete it before i come back
I don tell u say na error but i no why u dey vex, no be dis poster poke dat ur babe... I no d poster wey do am but i have d rite to remain silent....
Posted: at 24-04-2016 04:16 PM (8 years ago) | Hero
WATCHING, WAITING AND COMMENT LOADING................. TILL AFTER 90MINS TOMORROW BEFORE I COMMENT BUT BEFORE THEN REMEMBER SAY PERSON NO WELL ANOTHER PERSON WEY WELL COME DEY TAKE TABLET FOR PERSON WEY NO WELL NA WHO NO COME WELL يراقب الله !!!
Posted: at 25-04-2016 12:29 PM (7 years ago) | Gistmaniac
gogoman
Slimchery
kison
ovickson
Passion8Soul
morgrawl231
Eazyatumeyi
diezo
finacle
CHRISETTE
SwtBabes
giftmurphy
iamMacnoni
TRENDING GISTS 
Watch Touching Video Of Lady Surprising Boyfriend Who’s An Okada Rider
Sports Minister, John Enoh Roots For Peseiro’s Return To Super Eagles
Just in: EFCC Withdraws Suit Against Yahaya Bello In Appeal Court Over Alleged Fr@ud
Federal Govt Suspends Dana Airline Indefinitely Over Safety Concerns