Atlético seek a home boost in the Champions League as Koke returns and Bayern arrive with several key players injured.
Atlético Madrid’s home record against Bayern Munich gives Diego Simeone’s side a foothold in a fourth-round Champions League league-phase meeting that could ease the pressure on both clubs. Atlético have four points from three matches; Bayern are unbeaten but have won only once, leaving each team looking to build momentum at the Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday.
Atlético drew away to VfB Stuttgart in their last European outing and now face a Bayern side that shared a 3-3 draw with Viking. A win would give either club a useful lift in the standings as the league phase progresses.
A European rivalry with recent edge
The fixture carries a long memory. Bayern beat Atlético in the European Cup final 52 years ago, a defeat associated with the origin of Atlético’s “El Pupas” identity. That result also began Bayern’s run of three straight continental titles.
Atlético’s more recent record at home offers a different reference point. They’re unbeaten against Bayern in three meetings in Madrid over the past 11 years. Their 2016 semifinal win remains a highlight: Saúl Ñíguez’s solo goal helped send the German side out.
Atlético team news
Koke is expected to return to the squad after being absent since Oct. 10 with a hamstring injury. The club captain has also been dealing with the loss of his mother. Marca reported that he trained without apparent difficulty on Sunday, sprinting and striking the ball, and could contribute either from the start or off the bench.
Cuti Romero could also feature after returning to the substitutes’ bench against Levante on Saturday. He has missed three matches and trained in the gym on Monday, so his availability against Harry Kane and Bayern’s attack remains uncertain.
Johnny Cardoso is still sidelined, according to Marca, despite joining Monday’s team training session, as reported by Pascual Ruiz. A place in the matchday squad would be a surprise. Morten Hjulmand is suspended after his red card against Stuttgart.
Bayern absences cloud selection
Bayern have six first-team players listed as unavailable or doubtful. Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Jamal Musiala are among the injured players, while Manuel Neuer’s status is uncertain. Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari are ruled out with hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively.
Olise trained on Monday and is expected to travel to Madrid, though Bayern have not indicated how much he might play. The uncertainty around several attacking players could shape the visitors’ options against Atlético’s defense.
Atlético Madrid predicted lineup
Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; Koke, Barrios; Giuliano, Baena, Lookman; Alvarez.
With Koke nearing a return and Bayern’s attacking availability in question, Atlético have a chance to turn their home record into a meaningful league-phase result. The lineup will show how much Simeone is prepared to trust his returning players from the opening whistle.
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