Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich

Verdict: Bayern Munich double chance

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what is a heavyweight showdown on Tuesday night, Atletico Madrid will face off against an already qualified Bayer Munich at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Atletico Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while they might have left it late away at Valencia over the weekend, Diego Simeone’s men put on what was a typical Atletico Madrid performance on the road. Landing a 1-0 victory and only continuing to capitalise on Barcelona and Real Madrid’s continued issues since opening the 2020/2021 campaign, Los Colchoneros have enjoyed a real domestic purple patch entering December. Now seen as a real La Liga title contender and sat just a single point adrift of shock league leaders Real Sociedad, fans around the Spanish capital find their side enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run, winning six of those appearances. While Atletico might have impressed as usual with their displays at the back after recording four clean sheets on the bounce, Tuesday’s hosts are seeking a real Champions League bounce. With many billing their showdown in Madrid as a must-win contest, Simeone’s men have managed to collect just five points from their four European outings so far this season.

Team News

Atletico look set to once again be without Luis Suarez for their must-win showdown after he gave a positive test for coronavirus.

Tuesday’s hosts will also be without the trio of Manu Sanchez, Diego Costa and Sime Vrsaljko.

Bayern Munich

As for the visitors, last seen over the weekend picking up what was a routine 3-1 win away at Bundesliga returners Stuttgart, Bayern Munich have managed to romp their way into December in their usual clinical fashion. With both Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund slipping up, the German heavyweights hold a two-point buffer at the top of the table and the Bavarians have managed to bounce back from their shock hammering away at Hoffenheim back in September. Now marching on a 12-match unbeaten run across all formats and winning 11 of those appearances, it is no surprise to many across the continent that Bayern are seen as a leading pick to reclaim their Champions League crown next year. Led by leading marksman Robert Lewandowski who has already managed to notch 17 goals for club and country since opening the 2020/2021 campaign, Hans-Dieter Flick’s men have already managed to book their spot in the knockout stage. Including a 4-0 win when they faced off against Atletico back in October, Bayern have won each of their four Group A contests.

Team News

While Bayern might still be without Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies on Tuesday night, the German giants are expected to field a strong line-up.

With both Niklas Sule and Corentin Tolisso making their return against Stuttgart over the weekend, Leroy Sane is also likely to be pushing for a start.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off in Germany back in October, Bayern Munich picked up a 4-0 romp.
• Bayern have won each of their four Group A contests this season and have already booked their spot in the knockout stage.
• Diego Simeone’s men are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League contests on home soil, a run that stems back to September 2017.
• Atletico have also recorded four clean sheets on the bounce.
• Tuesday’s guests are enjoying a 12-match unbeaten run across all formats, winning 11 of those matchups.

Conclusion

While Atletico might open their must-win showdown on Tuesday as a clear standout pick with the bookmakers given their thumping European record in the Spanish capital, they should face a stern test in midweek. Likely unable to call upon the likes of Luis Suarez and with Bayern expected to field the strongest XI that they have to choose from, the German giants will also be boosted by their rampant meeting against Diego Simeone’s men back in October. With Robert Lewandowski continuing on his red-hot streak, Bayern have managed to win each of their Group A contests this season and look at great odds to leave with something to show for themselves in midweek.

Verdict: Bayern Munich double chance

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet