Bayern Munich gear up for the biggest test of their season till now. The German champions travel to Madrid to face Atletico Madrid in their second group game
Carlo Ancelloti will be tested for the first time in his new job as he has won all the eight competitive games till now. Bayern Munich sit at the top of the group after beating FC Rostov 3-0 in matchday one. A positive result against Atletico will help the Bavarians cause of finishing first in the group.
Bayern stand first in the Bundesliga and go into this game after scrapping a narrow 1-0 win over Hamburg on weekend. On the other hand Atletico have recovered from their early slump in the league. The Spaniards are now third after a 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Team News-
Bayern Munich go to Madrid with a strong squad. The German Champions welcomed the return of Mats Hummels who suffered a knock in weekend’s game. Ancelloti suggested that the defender has resumed training and travelled with the squad.
"“Hummels trained well yesterday. He is ready for the game tomorrow.”"
Arjen Robben could also return for Bayern. The only major absentees are Holger Badstuber and Douglas Costa. The young forward Julian Green has travelled with the squad.
Predicted Eleven-
Ancelloti is likely to field his best eleven after rotating the team against Hamburg. Manuel Neuer will continue in the goal. It is likely that the Italian boss will stick with Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels with Philip Lahm and David Alaba occupying the full back positions.
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Xabi Alonso will most probably return to the midfield. He will be joined by Thiago Alacantara and Arturo Vidal replacing Joshua Kimmich and Renato Sanches. The flanks will be occupied by Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller. The Polish striker Robert Lewandowski will lead the frontline for the Germans
Bayern Munich XI-(4-3-3)- Neuer; Lahm,Martinez,Hummels,Alaba; Alonso,Thiago,Vidal; Ribery,Lewandowski,Muller
Opposition focus-
Atletico Madrid were able to knock out Bayern Munich last year in the semifinals of Champions League. They focus on the intensity and hurting the opponent on counterattacks. They had a sluggish start this year, but now they are picking up the form.
The Spanish team boasts a formidable defence and are known for collecting cleansheets. Antoine Griezmann is back to his best as he was the top scorer for Atletico last year. The French forward has already scored five goals in all competitions. Yannick Carrasco is another player who is threathening on counter with his pace. Bayern will have to defend well on setpieces as Atletico score majority of goals from setpieces.