New Delhi: UEFA Champions League is back in action as the seventh matchday will begin tonight with Atalanta and Sterm Graz going head to head against each other alongside another big fixture between Monaco and Aston Villa. Once the the results of these two games are concluded, two big clubs will also be facing each other as Bayer Leverkusen will be travelling to face Atletico Madrid at Metropolitano. It will certainly be a treat to see these two sides play against each other with some of the most talented ballers on the pitch.
Diego Simeone will be looking to get the job done against a strong Leverkusen side and in order to do that, he will require the best of his starting lineup. As for Xabi Alonso, his side sits fourth in the table, with their only loss being a 4-0 thrashing by the hands of the table toppers Liverpool. In the respective leagues and their most recent results, Atletico suffered a shock defeat by the hands of Leganes in Laliga that ended their 15 games winning run in all competitions, while Leverkusen maintained 13 game undefeated run against Monchengladbach with their last defeat coming against Livepool itself.
Both the sides came up triumphs in their respective last Champions League fixtures back in December as a brace from Griezmann and a goal was enough for Simeone’s side to beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1, while Leverkusen scored the only goal of the game against Inter. One thing about this fixture is the fact that there is no shortage of talent in either of the two sides and there will be some top class battles on the pitch in certain areas of the park that could be pivotal in deciding the result of the game.
Robin Le Normand vs Patrick Schick
Le Normand will be looking to stop Patrick Schick (via Reuters)
A physical battle inside the Atletico Madrid box, where Patrick Schick will be keen on adding to his fantastic goal scoring record this season while Robin Le Normand will be doing his bit to stop the Czech international from scoring. Le Normand is very well known for his long balls from the back and a more than decent technique with the ball at his feet making him a great example of a modern day defender. However, people often forget how good he is with his usual duties at the back, winning 72.7% of his tackles that he has made in the league. Besides his towering presence at the back gives him a massive advantage when it comes to aerial duels.
His opposite number Patrick Schick has been in a fantastic goalscoring form this season. With 16 to his name already in all competitions, he will be looking to improve his Champions League stats for this season, where he has only managed one so far. However, the opposition cannot take him lightly a she has already scored 12 times in Bundesliga this season, proving to be a lethal finisher for Leverkusen, which is not an unusual sight. These two will produce a physical battle and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
Pablo Barrios vs Florian Wirtz
Pablo Barrios will be in a midfield battle with Florian Wirtz (via Reuters)
For the ones who are not yet familiar with Pablo Barrios, the Atletico Madrid midfielder is just 21 and is already having a massive influence at the middle of the park. Barrios has already established himself as a regular starter for Diego Simeone’s side. With 14 starts to his name already, Barrios is having a more than decent Laliga season for the Los Colchoneros. He may just have two assists to his name, but he is maturing in every appearance that he is making for Atletico as his coach has seemed to trust him with minutes on the pitch.
The academy product also fulfils his defensive duties well in that midfield but he will be needing to up his level tonight when he will be up against the tricky feet of Florian Wirtz. The battle of 21-year-olds in that midfield will also feature Florian Wirtz, who has simply been unbelievable for Xabi Alonso’s side. This season, he already has 23 goal contributions in all competitions, as he is also their top scorer in the Champions League this season with five goals to his name already. This would be a tremendous battle between two talented youngsters and might prove crucial for their respective sides.
Rodrigo De Paul vs Granit Xhaka
Rodrigo De Paul will be up against Granit Xhaka (via Reuters)
The battle of aggression, where two hot-heads will be going up against each other. Ever since joining the Los Colchoneros, Rodrigo De Paul’s performances have gone under the radar as he has been one of the consistent ones in the squad. The Argentine has been a major influence in that midfield of Atletico, and yet again he will be looking to make his presence felt down the middle of the park with his vision, defensive ability and also his aggressive nature which sometimes gets him into trouble but also is a massive part of his playing style. He will be looking to have an in-game rivalry with Leverkusen’s Swiss tank, Granit Xhaka.
The veteran midfielder has been one of Leverkusen’s best signings from summer of 2023 and he has led by an example with his abilities on the pitch, which were never in doubt even at Arsenal. A consistent performer for Xabi Alonso’s side, Xhaka will be a crucial leading figure in that Bayer midfield with his unbelievable passing range, defensive awareness and brilliant ability to read the game. Besides, his aggression and passion on the field is truly an inspiration for the players around him. It will be an exciting physical battle between the two.
Antoine Griezmann vs Jonathan Tah
Antoine Griezmann will be looking to get the better of Jonathan Tah (via Reuters)
Antoine Griezmann is a special footballer who is on an hunt for his first ever Champions League trophy. It is fair to say that Atletico’s chances would instantly spike up if Griezmann would be at his very best. He has been their best player for quite a few years now and this season, he has alsready scored four times and assisted twice in the Champions League, making him their top scorer for the season. The silky smooth style of play that he produces on the pitch is just effortless to watch, and it would turn out to be a massive factor for the Los Colchoneros.
The player responsible to stop the menace that Griezmann might cause would certainly be the German defender Jonathan Tah. The towering Bayer Leverkusen defender has been at the club for a decade now, and he was a crucial part of their invincible title winning campaign last time around. His physicality and defending is to be admired but one thing that the German possesses is a brilliant footballing brain thayt allows him to read the game well, which can be crucial factor against Griezmann. An interesting battle where both the players would need to be at their very best.
The Champions League clash between Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen would produce some top talents on the pitch going head to head against each other. Here’s a look at some of those that could prove pivotal. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
