Date: Tuesday 28th September, 2021
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium San Siro
Referee Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
Goal Scorer:
Team News
AC Milan
Ace striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to recover from his injury. However, the game against Atletico appears to have come too soon for him to feature. The Italians will also be without Tiemoue Bakayoko, Rade Krunic, and Alessandro Florenzi who are all still injured. Pioli’s men left it late against Spezia at the weekend with a number of players impressing off the bench.
This could force the Italian to tinker with his lineup for the game against Simeone’s men. Milan have started games well in recent weeks and will hope to land a blow to the Atletico early on. Mike Maignan was impressive against Liverpool and will start in goal for the Rossoneri. The return of Simon Kjaer will be an added boost and the Dane could go straight into the lineup alongside Fikayo Tomori.
Kjaer and Tomori have built up a good rapport and will prove formidable opponents for the Atletico attack. Flanked by Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez, the Milan backline certainly packs a punch.
Daniel Maldini scored his first goal for Milan on his debut against Spezia. The youngster, however, could be dropped to the bench in favour of Spanish international Brahim Diaz. Rafael Leao was Milan’s standout player at the weekend and could replace the disappointing Ante Rebic on the left. With an in-form Alexis Saelemaekers occupying the other flank, there are enough players to provide service to Olivier Giroud who could start upfront.
Ismael Bennacer was another player who impressed off the bench against Spezia and could partner Franck Kessie in midfield. The duo’s performance on the night could help decide who wins the midfield battle and eventually the tie.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Hernandez; Kessie, Bennacer ; Saelemaekers, Diaz, Leao; Giroud
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have endured a difficult start to the season and have struggled to see off their opponents. They travel to the San Siro following a demoralizing defeat to minnows Deportivo Alaves.
Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak practically picks himself for the game. Steven Safic’s suspension could see Uruguayan international Jose Gimenez return to the lineup. Alongside Felipe and Mario Hermoso, he could form the bedrock of the Atletico defence.
Kieran Trippier and Yannick Carrasco will function on the flanks, also serving as full-backs when defending. Simeone’s 3-5-2 formation will help the Rojiblancos keep their structure whether it be going forward or being forced back to defend.
The midfield trio of Diego Llorente, Koke and Rodrigo De Paul will be tasked with winning the ball back in midfield and launching a counter of their own. The onus to kickstart attacks from the centre will rest largely on the shoulders of the Argentine star.
Koke was on the bench against Alaves and his return will give Simeone the engine he needs in the middle of the park. The solidity offered by Llorente, Koke and De Paul will give Carrasco and Trippier the license to bomb forward.
Atleti also look set to recall Joao Felix who missed the weekend’s game due to a suspension. Alongside Luis Suarez, the young Portuguese star will be tasked with ending Atletico’s poor form upfront. Having Antoine Griezmann available on the bench will hand Simeone options in the second half. French international Thomas Lemar remains Atletrico’s lone player out injured.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Oblak; Gimenez, Felipe, Hermoso; Trippier, Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Carrasco; Suarez, Felix
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Key Stats
AC Milan have not won a game in the UEFA Champions League since their 3-0 win against Celtic at Celtic Park on November 2013. The last home win in the competition comes against the same opponents on September 18 2013.
Atletico Madrid are going through a lean streak and have failed to score any goals in their last three UEFA Champions League games.
Despite Atletico being regulars in the competition, it is Milan who are the more successful side. The Italians have won the European Cup Champions League seven times, a feat bettered by only Real Madrid.
AC Milan and Atletico have faced off three times in their history. Atletico have won twice while Milan have got the better of their opponents once.
Atletico have won just one of their last five games on Italian soil against Serie A teams. It came against Milan in the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League knockout stage round of 16, second leg. Diego Costa was the goalscoring hero that night.
AC Milan have not won a game in the UEFA Champions League since their 3-0 win against Celtic at Celtic Park on November 2013. The last home win in the competition comes against the same opponents on September 18 2013.
Atletico Madrid are going through a lean streak and have failed to score any goals in their last three UEFA Champions League games.
Despite Atletico being regulars in the competition, it is Milan who are the more successful side. The Italians have won the European Cup Champions League seven times, a feat bettered by only Real Madrid.
AC Milan and Atletico have faced off three times in their history. Atletico have won twice while Milan have got the better of their opponents once.
Atletico have won just one of their last five games on Italian soil against Serie A teams. It came against Milan in the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League knockout stage round of 16, second leg. Diego Costa was the goalscoring hero that night.
Prediction: AC Milan 1-1 Atletico Madrid
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