Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Atletico to qualify

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: William Hill


Having succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Vicente Calderon, Bayern Munich will have to show a considerable improvement if they want to remain in the hunt for the Champions League trophy. Los Colchoneros produced a major feat by winning the first match, but they are well aware another impressive performance is a must if they want to get the job done.

Bayern Munich

Even if Pep Guardiola will be leaving Allianz Arena this summer, chances are he is very motivated to say goodbye with the Champions League trophy, seeing that the Bundesliga title is already in the bag. The Bavarians had a chance to secure the league trophy by defeating Borussia M’gladbach at home, but the Catalan coach opted to rest his star players for the return leg against Atletico, with his second-string side playing out a 1-1 draw with die Fohlen. Guardiola has every reason to be concerned by the 1-0 defeat at Vicente Calderon, seeing that his side were unable to find the cure for Atletico’s defence-minded approach, with his decision to leave Thomas Muller on the bench sparking a great deal of controversy. The Germany hotshot should be back to the starting line-up, but that does not mean it will be any easier for Bayern to break the opposition in the return leg, as the reality is the Bavarians are not exactly on top of their game at the moment. Having failed to score more than a single goal in three of last five home games, the Allianz Arena outfit could find it hard to outclass Atletico on Tuesday evening.

Team News

Jerome Boateng has returned into action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but chances are he will be left on the bench due to lack of match fitness.

Arjen Robben and Holger Badstuber are not yet ready to return from injury, while Franck Ribery is doubtful through a back problem.



Atletico Madrid

The 2013/2014 campaign will go down as one of the most successful in club’s recent history having seen Atletico lift the La Liga trophy and finished as runners up in the Champions League, and nobody thought Diego Simeone’s side would have the opportunity to repeat the feat any time soon. However, fast forward two years and los Colchoneros are in a similar position, mostly thanks to the brilliant finish of the current season. Atletico managed to close an eight-point gap behind Barcelona in the league standings and even though their inferior head to head record means the Catalans will lift the trophy if they win the two remaining games, los Colchoneros can be proud to be in this position. At the same time, they are on the verge of reaching the second Champions League final in three years, having eliminated Barcelona in the quarter-finals before recording a 1-0 win over Bayern in the first semi-final leg. Other sides would probably fear the trip to Allianz Arena in spite of said lead, but not los Colchoneros, who have now gone six games without conceding, keeping clean sheets against Barcelona, Athletic and Bayern, among other sides.

Team News

There have been some very good news for Diego Simeone as the likes of Diego Godin and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco both recovered from injury.

The duo will be in contention for starting places at Allianz Arena, but Tiago Mendes remains in the infirmary even though he has been making steady progress of late.

Key Factors to Consider

• The match at Vicente Calderon was the first meeting between Atletico and Bayern
• Atletico won last six games without conceding
• Los Colchoneros kept seven clean sheets in last nine CL matches
• Bayern scored just one goal in three of last five home fixtures
• The Bavarians won 11 straight home games in the Champions League

Conclusion

Bayern Munich have not exactly been impressive of late as their forwards appear to be misfiring at the moment. Meanwhile, Atletico are playing their best football of the season, winning six games on the bounce without conceding and we honestly believe los Colchoneros will secure progress to the Champions League final.

Verdict: Atletico to qualify

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: William Hill