Evening everyone! We have another round of
Champions League group-stage action for you tonight, and plenty of juicy ties to sink your teeth into! Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all playing tonight, while Celtic and Manchester City will go head to head in Glasgow. Right here, though, we will be focusing on the Group D meeting between European heavyweights
Atletico Madrid and
Bayern Munich at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone's side have not picked up as many wins as they would have liked to in this early stage of the season, but they are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions so far. The Spanish side have earned three wins and three draws in La Liga and they kicked off their Champions League campaign with a victory. Atletico currently sit at the top of Group E following their slender 1-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.
As for Bayern, they have not taken too long to adjust to new manager
Carlo Ancelotti, who replaced Pep Guardiola in the summer. The Bavarians have claimed eight wins on the bounce in all competitions so far this season. In five of their Bundesliga matches they have scored 15 goals and conceded just one. Bayern kicked off their European campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Rostov at the Allianz Arena.
Let's not forget, these two sides went head to head in last season's semi-finals. Atletico managed to make the most of the first leg at home as they sealed a 1-0 advantage thanks to Saul Niguez's 11th-minute goal. At the Allianz for the second leg, Bayern managed to win the match following goals from Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski, but
Antoine Griezmann's crucial away goal put Simeone's side into the final, where they were beaten by Real Madrid.
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I'm sure you're all eagerly awaiting the team news, so without further ado, here are the lineups for both sides...
ATLETICO XI: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis; Koke, Saul, Gabi, Carrasco; Griezmann, Torres
BAYERN XI: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Martinez, Alaba; Vidal, Alonso, Thiago; Muller, Lewandowski, Ribery
Simeone has made four changes to the team that defeated Deportivo La Coruna last weekend. Stefan Savic comes into the defence to replace Jose Gimenez, while Saul Niguez and Gabi come into the midfield, in place of Nicolas Gaitan and Augusto Fernandez. Angel Correa drops out of the attack and Fernando Torres comes in.
Ancelotti also makes four changes to his Bayern team as Jerome Boateng comes into the defence, while Arturo Vidal and Xabi Alonso are named in midfield, which has resulted in Joshua Kimmich and Renato Sanches dropping out of the first XI. Franck Ribery also starts tonight as he provides attacking support to Robert Lewandowski.
Atletico have impressed in this competition in recent years having reached the final in two of the last three seasons, but they cannot seem to get over the line. On both those occasions they were beaten by their fierce neighbours Real Madrid. In the 2013-14 campaign - the same season that they won the La Liga title - Atletico had a positive start in the Lisbon final. Diego Godin put the team 1-0 up in the 36th minute.
The team's study defence seemed to be working wonders as the full-time whistle approached, but they were dealt a sucker-punch when Sergio Ramos scored in the fourth minute of added time. The equaliser forced the contest into 30 minutes of extra time, of which Real ran riot. Gareth Bale and Marcelo scored, while Cristiano Ronaldo rounded off the victory 4-1 by converting from the penalty spot.
Atletico's second attempt at glory came last season when they once again met Real in the final - this time at Milan's San Siro stadium. On this occasion, Ramos opened the scoring with a 15th-minute strike. Atletico looked to have their revenge when Carrasco found an equaliser with 11 minutes of normal time remaining. Extra time ensued, but nothing could separate the two sides after 30 minutes. A penalty shootout decided the winner, and after Juanfran missed from the spot, Ronaldo sealed the trophy for Real.
Considering Atletico's recent heartache in this competition, they must have groaned when Bayern were pulled out of the hat in the group-stage draw. Of course, the top two teams qualify for the last 16, with Atletico and Bayern favourites above Rostov and PSV, but the group rounds were made that little bit tougher as a result of the match-up.
During the summer, speculation was brewing that Simeone could part company with Atletico after five years in charge, but he remains at the Vicente Calderon. Griezmann himself was linked with a move away from the Spanish club following his impressive form for both club and country. However, the striker was more concerned about his manager's future.
In a recent interview with
Onda Cero, Griezmann said: "I was afraid that he would not be here. I still need to work with him, learn from him. Atleti needs him. I want to continue to grow with Atletico - the club can achieve great things. I try to be the best and give the maximum so that people can say I'm among the top players."
Simeone responded to Griezmann's comments by telling reporters: "I don't feel like Griezmann's mentor, I'm just his coach who helps him as a footballer and as a person. We're helping an extraordinary footballer reach his full potential and I'm just like any other in achieving that."
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Atletico head into tonight's match with their defensive strength still intact. They have the ability to frustrate teams by preventing them from finding a way through, and that's evident by the fact that goalkeeper Jan Oblak has conceded just two goals so far this season. At the other end of the pitch, though, they have only scored more than once in a game on two occasions. If it comes to a point where Atletico need to outscore Bayern to get the points that they need, you fear for the Spanish side.
Atletico had a frustrating start to the La Liga season as their opening two games resulted in draws. Kevin Gameiro's 92nd penalty was cancelled out by an even later goal from Alaves' Manu Garcia. A trip to face Leganes also ended in a stalemate, with neither side managing to find the back of the net. The next two results boosted the team as they found their shooting boots to seal a 4-0 win over Celta Vigo and a 5-0 triumph over Sporting Gijon. Griezmann scored twice in both games, while Koke and Correa got on the scoresheet against Celta, and Gameiro netted at home to Gijon. Fernando Torres also celebrated by scoring twice - once from the penalty spot - against Gijon.
Next up for Simeone's side was a trip to the Camp Nou to take on Barcelona. Ivan Rakitic put the hosts in front a few minutes before the end of the first half, but Atletico got back into the game thanks to Angel Correa's equaliser. The visiting team managed to keep Barcelona at bay for the remaining 29 minutes to pick up a well-deserved point. Atletico stretched their unbeaten La Liga form to six games when Griezmann scored the only goal against Deportivo La Coruna last weekend.
STATS! It is positive reading for Atletico fans as they have suffered defeat just twice in their last 19 Champions League group-stage games. In that time, they have won 14 and drawn three. They also have a very strong record at home in this competition as they have lost just once in their last 17 fixtures.
We mentioned Atletico's defensive strength earlier, and we have the stat to prove it! In their last 12 group games, they have kept 10 clean sheets and conceded just three goals in total. Not too shabby at all!
Ahead of the match, Simeone told reporters: "This will be a tough game, with both teams pressing hard in attack. There'll be little space to play in. Fernando Torres is an important player in games like these, where you need to take advantage of the room available to you, so he will start.
"I have great respect for Ancelotti as a person and what he's achieved. I knew him as a player when I was young and he was a bit older. He's a calm character. There's no right way to be - people live games how they see fit and that's what we do."
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So, what about Bayern? Well, Ancelotti had big boots to fill when he replaced Guardiola in the summer. His predecessor won seven trophies during his three-year spell in charge of the German team, but not one of those was the Champions League crown. The players seem to have taken to Ancelotti's tactics, which have resulted in some positional changes.
David Alaba has reverted to left-back due to the fact that the back four do not play that high up the pitch under the Italian's management. Also, due to playing more direct, Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery have rediscovered their form. So far, Bayern have not lost a game this season, and they couldn't have had a better start to the Bundesliga campaign as they hammered Werder Bremen 6-0.
Robert Lewandowski scored three times - once from the penalty spot - while Alonso, Ribery and Philipp Lahm also found the back of the net. Next up was a trip to Schalke, where Lewandowski scored his fourth in two games and Joshua Kimmich contributed to the scoresheet. Bayern's Polish striker was on target again in their next league match against Ingolstadt as he helped the team to a 3-1 victory.
The Bundesliga giants netted three times against Hertha Berlin, but it took them until the 88th minute to find the only goal of the game in a win over Hamburg the following weekend. It is all looking rosy for the Germans so far, but there are notable comparisons to last season, particularly the possession statistics. They are averaging almost four minutes per game less possession.
It has been three seasons since Bayern last won the coveted European trophy, when they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley. In the following campaign, the German team were ousted 5-0 on aggregate by Real Madrid in the semi-finals, and they lost again at the same stage in the 2014-15 campaign, but this time by Barcelona.
DID YOU KNOW? Bayern have lost two of their last four Champions League games on the road in the group stage. They do not seem to have a happy time in Spain either as they have lost their last three European games in the country. Only one goal was scored by the Bavarians in those games.
A more positive statistic is that the German club have scored in all but one of their last 23 group-stage games. Nineteen of those matches ended in victories for Bayern, while three were losses and one was a draw. They also kept 13 clean sheets in that time.
In terms of goal threat in this competition, Lewandowski has started the season strongly by scoring six goals in all competitions. Muller is prolific in the Champions League having scored 16 goals in his last 19 appearances in Europe. As for Atletico, Griezmann is their star man tonight as he has scored five goals in his last five games.
Ahead of tonight's match, Ancelotti told reporters: "Playing Atletico is always difficult. It will be a hard game; they're always well organised. We're in good form and we need to show it. Everyone knows Atletico's style. They've got form in this competition. Right now the tendency in football is to play directly and on the counter.
"It's all about having effective possession. Possession is important because it allows you to control the game but you need to make the most of it. It's always a pleasure to come back to Madrid. But it's not exactly great to come back to the Calderon! It's going to be a great game."
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HEAD TO HEAD: In European competition, Atletico and Bayern have played one another four times. The German outfit just edge the results as they have won two compared to Atletico's single victory, while the other meeting ended in a draw. Atletico scored just three goals in those fixtures, while Bayern netted seven.
Both teams are making their way out of the tunnel and onto the pitch. After the Champions League tune is played and hands are shaken, the action will begin! Szymon Marciniak is the referee this evening.
KICKOFF! Atletico get us underway at the Vicente Calderon! There's a sellout crowd tonight. Fingers crossed it will be a spectacle for all!
Well, that was a fast start! Less than 30 seconds in and we have a shot from Carrasco. It fails to trouble Neuer, though. Perhaps that's a sign of what's to come.
Bayern knock the ball around their defensive line before playing it long for Lewandowski. The striker gets crowded out while charging into the box and the ball is headed out for a corner by Godin. The set piece comes to nothing.
Vidal loses the ball in his own half, but as Saul sets himself up for a shot from 30 yards, Vidal nicks the ball back and gets fouled in the process.
Neither side have got a stronghold of this game as yet. As expected, Bayern have had more of the ball, while Atletico seem happy to play on the break.
Atletico play the free kick short and it's sent down the line to Juanfran, who tries to play in Saul, but the ball bobbles behind for a goal kick.
Both teams look as though they're playing a knockout game. It's very cagey at the moment. It could be one of those matches where goalscoring chances a few and far between.
Alaba swings a cross into the box searching for Lewandowski, but the striker is pounced on by Atetico's defenders and the home side clear the danger.
CHANCE! What a wasted opportunity for Torres! Martinez fails to control the ball after it bounces, which allows Torres to snatch it in on the edge of the area. The striker gets into the box and tries to get a shot away, but Martinez redeems himself by making a tackle.
SAVE! What a perfect chip from Thiago! The midfielder passes over the top to Muller, who turns on the volley, but Oblak drops down to make the stop.
BOOKING! Saul gets the first yellow card of the game for a sliding tackle on Vidal.
Alaba takes the resulting free kick, but the ball clips the wall and goes behind for a corner, which is eventually dealt with by Atletico.
Juanfran gets the ball on the right flank and drives towards the byline. He goes one on one with Alaba, but the defender manages to block his pass.
SAVE! Neuer is called upon for the first time in this match. Carrasco drives out towards the edge of the box, drops his shoulder and unleashes a shot, but the Bayern keeper punches clear.
OFF THE POST! So close for Torres! The ball is swung into the box from the corner flag and it finds Torres at the post, but instead of heading it into an open net from close range, the striker smashes it against the post.
BOOKING! Lahm gets penalised for a high foot on Luis. His boot ends up scraping the top of Luis's head, but it's clear that his eyes were on the ball.
Alaba's cross is too short for Lewandowski, but the ball trickles out to Lahm and he manages to find the striker. The Poland international directs a header towards goal, but it ends up right at Oblak.
CHANCE! Torres gets another opportunity but misses the target. It's a perfect pass from Koke as he finds the striker on the edge of the area, but Torres hammers into the side-netting.
GOAL! ATLETICO 1-0 BAYERN (CARRASCO)
Atletico move into the lead and it's Carrasco who gets the goal! It's a great strike from the Belgian, who moves away from the defender before drilling the ball low with his left foot and into the bottom corner.
CHANCE! Oh dear, what an opportunity for Ribery! The ball drops into the box and the winger sends the ball wide of the post. He should have taken it first time.
BOOKING! Another player goes into the book and it's Boateng following his challenge on Saul.
Lewandowski goes down on the halfway line after getting fouled by Godin, but the referee opts against brandishing a yellow card to the defender. He might not be as lucky next time.
Muller and Lewandowski play a one-two in the box, but there's a lack of control and the ball is in the air and headed clear by Atletico's defence.
HALF-TIME: ATLETICO 1-0 BAYERN
Atletico head into the half-time break against Bayern one goal to the good following
Yannick Carrasco's 35th-minute strike. It's been a cagey game at times, but the home side set up well as they didn't give Bayern a minute's piece on the ball in the early stages. The away side have had most of the possession, but they have struggled to find that clinical touch in the final third. We'll return for the second half shortly!
RESTART! Bayern get us back underway at the Vicente Calderon! Can they get themselves back in the game or will Atletico nab all three points? Let's find out!
Atletico come out on the frontfoot as they exchange passes on the edge of Bayern's area. Koke delivers a great ball into the box, but it bounces in front of Neuer and the German keeper collects.
Atletico are not letting Bayern have any space on the ball, and they give away a free kick as three players close down Ribery.
CHANCE! Alonso takes the free kick and floats the ball towards the post, but it's headed behind for a corner. It's delivered deep to the far post, where Muller directs a header towards the corner, but the ball nestles into the side-netting.
Bayern aren't doing much wrong, it's just that Atletico are making it tough for them to break down.
Bayern break and the ball ends up being played wide to Muller, who crosses into the box, but it's a poor one and is comfortably cleared by the hosts.
Alaba finds some space and makes his way into the box before unleashing a left-footed shot aiming for the top corner, but Oblak comfortably parries away at his near post.
Juanfran storms into the box, but Boateng tracks his opponent well and gets in a well-timed tackle.
BAYERN SUB: It's an interesting change from Ancelotti as Robben comes on for Muller.
Saul goes for glory from distance after Atletico nick the ball off Bayern, but it does little to trouble Neuer as the ball drops wide of the post.
BAYERN SUB: Ancelotti makes a like-for-like change as Hummels replaces Boateng, who's on a yellow card. Smart decision.
Bayern get a free kick and it's Alonso who takes it, but the ball is headed clear. Seconds later, Thiago commits a foul, but the referee decides once again not to card him. He's walking on a tightrope! You'd think one more foul would result in a sending-off.
BAYERN SUB: A final change for the visitors, and as expected, Thiago comes off before he gets sent off! Kimmich comes on in his place.
SAVE! Carrasco comes close to scoring a second by cutting inside on his right foot before aiming the ball towards the far corner. Neuer has to scramble across his goal to meet it, but he manages to push the ball away.
ATLETICO SUB: Carrasco won't be getting a second goal tonight. The Belgian makes way for Gameiro.
Atletico show their devastating pace on the break as Gameiro plays in Torres. The striker gets the ball past Hummels and towards the back post, but it's too high for Griezmann and the ball drops onto the top of the net.
CHANCE! Close for Lewandowski! The ball is delivered high into the box from Alonso and he manages to find the Polish striker. Lewandowski directs a header from close range, but the ball goes inches wide of the post.
ATLETICO SUB: It's the end of Torres's night as Gaitan comes on to replace him.
CHANCE! Robben tries a one-two with Vidal on the edge of the box and he shoots, but the ball just curls past the post.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO!
Silly from Vidal as he charges in on Luis in the box. Atletico have the chance to double their lead. Griezmann steps up...
PENALTY MISSED! Oh dear, Griezmann misses! The forward slams the ball onto the crossbar.
BOOKING! Vidal clatters into Saul and goes into the book as a result. It looks like an accidental foul by the midfielder and both players are receiving treatment.
Both players are back on their feet. That's good news, particularly as Bayern have used all their substitutes.
Atletico win a free kick in a decent position. The ball ends up with Godin at the post and he shoots at the angle, but the shot is blocked.
We have FIVE MINUTES of added time. Can Bayern find that equaliser?
ATLETICO SUB: Griezmann comes off and is replaced by Partey for the last few minutes.
The home fans are blowing their on whistles as they urge the referee to end the game.
FULL-TIME: ATLETICO 1-0 BAYERN
So, there we have it! Atletico continue their 100% record in the Champions League by defeating Bayern Munich 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon this evening. Yannick Carrasco was the difference thanks to his first-half goal. Antoine Griezmann had an opportunity to double Atletico's lead with a late penalty, but he ended up smashing the ball off the crossbar. The result is Bayern's first defeat of the season under manager Carlo Ancelotti. What does this mean for Group E? Well, Atletico are top on six points, Bayern are second on three and there is one point apiece for PSV Eindhoven and Rostov. Thank you for joining us and until next time, goodbye!