In an endeavor to reverse a one-goal shortfall, Atletico Madrid extends a cordial welcome to Inter Milan at the Wanda Metropolitano for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on Wednesday evening.
Having secured a narrow 1-0 triumph in the initial leg at San Siro three weeks prior, the Nerazzurri, propelled by a late second-half goal from Marko Arnautovic, aim to maintain their advantage.
Match preview
Atletico Madrid, following a disheartening departure in the group stage of the previous season’s Champions League, have achieved advancement to the last 16 in the current term. However, their prospects of reaching the quarter-finals for the third time in five seasons are challenged by an underwhelming performance in the first leg against Inter, setting them on an uphill journey.
Despite a resounding 5-0 victory over Las Palmas in La Liga just three days prior, Atletico demonstrated a deficiency in finishing prowess at San Siro, failing to convert any of their seven shots on target before conceding a decisive goal to Inter substitute Arnautovic in the 79th minute.
Diego Simeone, a former player for Inter, faces mounting pressure as Atletico have secured only two victories in their last nine matches across all competitions. Their struggle to find the back of the net, evident in five goalless outings during this stretch, including a 2-0 defeat against Cadiz last weekend, amplifies the scrutiny.
Currently, Atletico sits fourth in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by six points and holding onto their Champions League qualification position by a mere two points above fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, with 10 matches remaining in the season.
Despite a history of resilience, Atletico has faltered in recent Champions League knockout ties after losing the first leg. Nevertheless, they anticipate a favorable return to the Wanda Metropolitano, where they have suffered just one defeat in their last 32 home games across all competitions and have secured victory in seven of their last nine encounters against Italian opponents.
In contrast, Inter arrives in Madrid with confidence, having secured 14 victories and a draw in their last 15 matches across all competitions, including a narrow 1-0 win over Bologna in Serie A.
Manager Simone Inzaghi chose to rest key players such as top scorer and captain Lautaro Martinez, yet Inter managed to clinch victory against Atletico through a header from Yann Aurel Bisseck just before halftime.
Inter’s dominant performance in Serie A positions them comfortably atop the league table with 75 points from 28 matches, boasting a substantial 16-point lead over second-placed AC Milan.
With their Serie A lead secured, Inter can now focus their attention on the last-16 clash with Atletico in the Champions League. Despite their formidable recent form, Inter acknowledges the challenge posed by Atletico, given their struggles in Spain, where they have failed to secure victory in their last 10 European club competition visits.
Team News
Atletico Madrid remains optimistic regarding the potential return of Antoine Griezmann and Jose Gimenez to the matchday squad following their respective absences from the previous four matches due to ankle and thigh injuries. However, Thomas Lemar (Achilles), Cesar Azpilicueta, and Vitolo (both knee) continue to be sidelined.
In the event Gimenez is deemed unfit to participate, either Gabriel Paulista or Stefan Savic is anticipated to commence in central defense. Additionally, Nahuel Molina may replace Marcos Llorente at right wing-back.
The midfield trio comprising Saul Niguez, Koke, and Rodrigo De Paul is expected to remain unchanged. Alvaro Morata, who has scored only once in his last 10 appearances, may potentially be partnered in the attack by Memphis Depay, who has netted once in his last eight outings.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan’s Arnautovic, the hero of the first leg, is set to miss the forthcoming match due to a hamstring injury, alongside Carlos Augusto, who sustained a calf injury in the previous weekend’s victory against Bologna. Both players join Juan Cuadrado (Achilles) and Stefano Sensi (ankle) on the injury list.
Federico Dimarco is anticipated to replace Augusto at left wing-back, while Benjamin Pavard and Stefan de Vrij could step in for Bisseck and Francesco Acerbi in central defense. Denzel Dumfries may vie for a return at right wing-back, although Inzaghi may opt to retain Matteo Darmian.
The midfield trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan is likely to start, with top scorer Martinez, who has tallied 26 goals in all competitions, including four in his last five appearances, set to rejoin Marcus Thuram in the forward line.
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Molina, Savic, Witsel, Hermoso, Lino; Saul, De Paul, Koke; Depay, Morata
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez