Previews
LUN 01.05.2017
The Champions League is back and with it comes another instalment of the pulsating European tussle between Los Blancos and Atletico Madrid. In this latest bout, both sides have their sights firmly set on progressing and ending the old enemy's chances of continental success. This Tuesday sees the Santiago Bernabeu play host to the first-leg showdown on a night that promises to serve up no shortage of passion, intriguing tactical battles and goalmouth action as LaLiga Santander prepares to parade its considerable talents at Europe's top table.
Zidane Zidane's charges have reached this stage after having got the better of Bayern Munichin the quarter-finals and the hosts will be going all out here as they seek to move a step closer to becoming the first-ever club to retain the much-coveted European title. The French tactician will have to contend with the absences of Gareth Bale, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao for what's one of the most hotly anticipated clashes of the season. Speaking in the build-up, the Madridista boss declared: "For both Atletico and ourselves, this is a completely different tie to our previous ones. Atletico improve season after season and always manage to make things difficult for us. That's why we'll really need the Bernabeu to get right behind us."
Atleti make the short journey across the Spanish capital without the injured Jose Maria Gimenez, whilst there are question marks over the fitness of Yannick Carrasco and Juanfran. This tie represents somewhat of a revenge mission for Los Colchoneros, who will be desperate to atone after having fallen just short in their two Champions League final bouts against their fierce rivals. Atletico have a third showpiece appearance in the last four editions within their grasp and Diego Simeone's troops will be raring to book a place in the Cardiff final, as the Argentine coach insisted in his pre-match press conference, "the team that makes best use of their assets, tactically speaking, will do best."
© LALIGA - 2017