The encounter between Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan in the Champions League this Tuesday is poised to be a nail-biting encounter that could go either way. Under Diego Simeone, Atlético have so often punched above their weight in this competition and the Wanda Metropolitano is one of Europe's toughest venues for a visiting team. They'll need to harness every advantage they have here as they look to topple an excellent Inter team.
Date: 13/03/2024
Kick-off time: 20:00
Location: Wanda Metropolitano
Atlético Madrid, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, find themselves in a season characterised by inconsistency, yet they remain a formidable force, currently 4th in La Liga. The team's performance has fluctuated, with the squad feeling the weight of limited investment and the need for rejuvenation. Despite these challenges, Atlético boast the talismanic Antoine Griezmann, whose brilliance and attacking prowess are undeniable. At 32, Griezmann is in the prime of his career, and any chance Atlético have of progressing from this tie will likely come down to his availability which, as of now, is uncertain.
The team's recent history in the Champions League knockout stages, however, tells a tale of missed opportunities and narrowly missed triumphs. Having been eliminated in their last three attempts after losing the first leg of a two-legged tie, Atlético’s resilience and ability to overturn deficits will be put to the test once more against Inter Milan. The Madrid side's struggle for goals in the knockout stages of the competition has been evident, with just three goals in their last eight knockout ties in this competition, underlining the need for a sharp turnaround in fortune.
Inter Milan, under Simone Inzaghi, have enjoyed a stellar campaign in Serie A, sitting comfortably atop the league. Their dominance in Italy is a testament to Inzaghi's tactical acumen and the effective implementation of his 3-5-2 formation, which has proven formidable against a variety of opponents and is highly effective at inflating the talent at his disposal. The Nerazzurri are not only aiming to consolidate their domestic success but also to capture European glory, building on their run to the Champions League final last season.
Inter's squad depth and quality are enviable, with players like Alessandro Bastoni, Hakan Çalhanoglu, and Lautaro Martínez making significant contributions this season. Their prowess and cohesion as a unit have seen Inter progress from seven of their last eight knockout ties after winning the first leg. However, their record in Spain poses a challenge, with no wins in their last ten away games against Spanish opposition, a statistic Inzaghi will be keen to rectify.
The tactical matchup between Simeone and Inzaghi will be central to the outcome of this tie. Simeone's Atlético are known for their defensive solidity and ability to strike on the counter, with Griezmann playing a pivotal role in their attacking endeavours. Inzaghi's Inter, meanwhile, excel in maintaining possession and exploiting the width provided by their wing-backs, creating spaces for their dynamic forwards.
For Atlético, overcoming their recent scoring drought in the knockout stages will be crucial, as will harnessing the energy and passion of their home crowd. Inter's challenge will be to adapt their tactical approach to overcome their poor record in Spain, leveraging their in-form players and strategic flexibility to secure a favourable result.
Primera División 
Serie A 
