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Bayern logo
Champions League | Semi-Finals
May 3, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
Atletico Madrid logo

2-1

Alonso (31'), Lewandowski (74')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Griezmann (54')

Preview: Bayern Munich vs. Atletico Madrid

Sports Mole looks ahead to the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid at the Allianz Arena.

All eyes will be on the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening when Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid face off in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Last week's first leg at the Vicente Calderon ended in a 1-0 victory to Atletico, meaning that it is Diego Simeone's men who hold a slender advantage.


Bayern

Pep Guardiola follows the game during the Champions League round-of-16 second leg between Bayern Munich and Juventus on March 16, 2016© AFP

Pep Guardiola knows that his Bayern tenure will ultimately be judged on whether or not he is able to guide the club to Champions League glory.

In 2013, the 45-year-old inherited a side that had just won three trophies in one season under the management of Jupp Heynckes - including Europe's top prize.

Now, as his stint in Bavaria draws ever closer to an end and he prepares to head for the Premier League and Manchester City, the pressure really is on Guardiola to deliver the goods.

The Spaniard will be only too aware that Bayern's last two Champions League campaigns have ceased at the semi-final stage at the hands of sides from his homeland - Real Madrid and Barcelona. During those games, the Germans scored just three goals and let in a hefty 10.

On the plus side, Bayern can boast some recent positive home form in the competition. They have won 11 straight matches, and victory over Atletico will see them equal Manchester United's tournament record of 12, which was set between 2006 and 2009.

In further positive news, on the seven occasions that the men from Munich have lost the first leg away from home 1-0, they have battled back to advance five times.

Recent form: WDWWDL
Recent form (all competitions): DWWWLD


Atletico

Diego Simeone watches on during the Champions League quarter-final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on April 5, 2016© Getty Images

While Guardiola's decision to go public with his intention to join Man City went down like a lead balloon among many of those connected with Bayern, in contrast, Simeone enjoys hero status at Atletico.

It is understandable when you consider that since taking charge in 2011, Los Rojiblancos have become a force both at home and abroad.

They remain level on points with leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race, while also being just 90 minutes away from a second Champions League final appearance in the last three years.

It is no secret that much of Atletico's success under the Simeone regime has been built on solid foundations. That statement is particularly true at this present moment in time, with no goals being conceded in their last six outings in all competitions.

On top of that, Atletico have emerged victorious from 27 of their UEFA matches in which they have won the first leg, including the last 15 in a row.

A draw will do them in Munich, but Simeone has stressed that only a win is on the agenda: "We are coming out to win and they will too. We are two teams who want to win. We know what we have to do but we are coming out to win," he told reporters.

Recent form: WDDLWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWWWWW


Team News

Thomas Muller celebrates scoring during the Bundesliga game between Bayern Munich and Darmstadt on February 20, 2016© AFP

Thomas Muller was surprisingly among the Bayern substitutes last week, but he is expected to return to the starting lineup this time around.

Jerome Boateng could also be included after his recent recovery from a groin complaint that kept him sidelined for three months.

As for winger Franck Ribery, he is thought to be a doubt with a back problem, although there have been suggestions that the Frenchman will be passed fit to start on the bench.

Atletico, meanwhile, are expected to be without the services of Diego Godin once again.

The experienced Uruguayan centre-back missed the first leg with a hamstring injury and is likely to sit out the return fixture, which will leave Simeone to pick between Jose Gimenez, Stefan Savic and Lucas Hernandez to fill the void.

Bayern possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Lahm, Martinez, Alaba, Bernat; Alonso, Vidal, Thiago; Costa, Muller; Lewandowski

Atletico possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Savic, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Augusto, Koke, Saul; Griezmann, Torres


Head To Head

These two sides last met in the 1974 final, which Bayern won 4-0 in a replay after the first clash had ended in a 1-1 draw.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Bayern 1-1 Atletico

This game will almost certainly be played in a similar fashion to the first leg. Bayern will dominate the possession, while Atletico look to pick them off on the counter-attack. In front of a home crowd it would be a surprise if Bayern did not score, but Atletico have a good track record of getting the result that they need from big games. Here, the away goal could prove crucial.



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Group D

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Group E

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Group H

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