The wait is almost over—the Champions League returns, and Matchday 7 kicks off with an absolute cracker. German champions Bayer Leverkusen lock horns with two-time UCL finalists Atletico Madrid in a clash that promises drama, intensity, and pure entertainment. With the race for those prized top-eight spots reaching boiling point, this showdown has all the makings of a classic.
Only one point separates fourth-placed Leverkusen from eleventh-placed Atletico Madrid. So, tomorrow’s match is bound to produce several thrilling moments. Moreover, this isn’t just a battle for points—it’s a clash of footballing ideologies. While Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen play an expansive, attractive style of football, Diego Simeone has made a name for himself on the back of a defense-first approach. His players aren’t also afraid of employing the so called “Dark Arts.” Despite the criticism, Simeone’s methods have proved to be effective, and the Los Colcheneros are once again challenging for La Liga. Until a shocking loss to Leganes over the weekend, Atletico had been on a stunning 15-game winning streak across all competitions. That slip-up has taken some shine off their stellar season, but Simeone’s side will be hungry to bounce back. Hosting Leverkusen at the Metropolitano is their chance to right the ship and remind everyone why they’re a force to be reckoned with.
However, taking down one of Europe’s hottest teams right now won’t be a walk in the park. Bayer Leverkusen are riding high on a 12-game winning streak across all competitions. Their last defeat? A humbling 4-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League. Since then, Die Werkself have been unstoppable, boasting a near-flawless run that includes victories over heavyweights like Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund. Xabi Alonso will be keen for his side to keep that momentum going against an Atletico team fresh off three consecutive UCL wins. The stakes couldn’t be higher—if Leverkusen win and other results go their way, they’ll punch their ticket directly to the Round of 16. The pressure is well and truly on, and it’s shaping up to be a night of high drama.
Date: 22nd January 2025
Time: 1:30 AM (IST)
Stadium: Wanda Metropolitano
Location: Madrid, Spain
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez.
Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Tapsoba, Hincapie; Palacios, Xhaka; Frimpong, Wirtz, Grimaldo; Schick.
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (Atletico)
Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer), Robin Le Normand (Atletico)
Midfielders: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer), Florian Wirtz (Bayer), Guiliano Simeone (Atletico), Conor Gallagher (Atletico)
Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico), Patrik Schick (Bayer), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico)
Choice 1: Julian Alvarez (C), Antoine Griezmann (VC)
Choice 2: Florian Wirtz (C), Patrik Schick (VC)
The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision.
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