Stadium: Vicente Calderon
Diego Simeone is ready for a week of “cup finals” as Atletico Madrid take on Italian giants Juventus for the first time in 49 years.
Last season’s Champions League finalists Atletico lost their group opener against Olympiakos a fortnight ago, turning tonight’s meeting with the Serie A champions into a hugely significant encounter.
It will be the first time the two sides have met since Juve won 3-1 in the Fairs Cup semi-final in 1965.
On Saturday afternoon, Simeone’s men will face another major test on the domestic front when they travel to Valencia, who have started the season unbeaten.
Simeone said, “Today’s game is a cup final, just like it will be against Valencia. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Juventus. They are fast and technically good and they will give us a lot of difficulties.”
Simeone faces a number of selection dilemmas, starting with central midfielder and captain Gabi, who is struggling to overcome a knee injury sustained during last weekend’s impressive 4-0 victory over Sevilla.
“We will have a training session in the morning and see how he is,” added the Argentine. “If he’s not 100 per cent fit, he won’t play and either Mario Suarez, Saul or Koke will take his place.”
Another question mark is in attack, where Mario Mandzukic is certain to lead the line – wearing a mask to protect a broken nose – but the identity of his strike partner is unclear. Antoine Griezmann and Raul Jimenez have not convinced since signing in the summer, while another new boy, Alessio Cerci, has received limited opportunities.
“Not every game is the same and Jimenez, Griezmann or Cerci could all play, as well as Raul Garcia,” said Simeone. “We have plenty of characteristics available to complete our attack, and we can also play with five in midfield.”
Juve’s main three attacking options are all familiar to Simeone, with compatriot Carlos Tevez joined by Spaniards Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Morata, who will be returning to the Spanish capital for the first time since his summer switch from Real Madrid.
Simeone said: “Tevez is an extraordinary player and and gets better the closer he gets to goal. He is a difficult player to stop and we can’t let him receive the ball.”
Team news:
Atletico will this morning determine whether captain Gabi has shaken offhis right ankle injury with Mario Suarez his likely replacement. Mario Mandzukic, who fractured his nose in his team’s defeat at Olympiakos, will lead the attack wearing a protective face mask. Alessio Cerci, who did not feature on Saturday against Sevilla, has been included in the squad.
Juventus are without three injured players, including star midfielder Andrea Pirlo. However, Uruguay defender Martin Caceres has recovered from a thigh problem and could be included in the starting XI, although Angelo Ogbonna put in a sound display against Atalanta on Saturday. Boss Allegri will choose between Patrice Evra or Kwadwo Asamoah at left wing-back.
Likely line-ups:
Atletico Madrid: Moya, Siqueira, Godin, Miranda, Juanfran, Koke, Gabi, Tiago, Turan, Garcia, Mandzukic.
Juventus: Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra, Marchisio, Pogba, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Llorente, Tevez.
Players to watch:
Atletico Madrid: Arda Turan
Atletico are far from being the most aesthetically-pleasing side to watch, but they are certainly a more exciting and dynamic
outfit when Turan is in the team. The Turkish international provides bursts of energy, pace on the flank, tenacity in midfield and creativity in the final third and simply makes Los Rojiblancos a better side whenever he’s on the pitch.
Juventus: Fernando Llorente
The striker won’t have fond memories of Atletico as his last game against them was the 2012 Europa League final as an Athletic
Bilbao player. Los Leones were soundly beaten 3-0, Llorente seen crying on the pitch afterwards. Although he’s yet to find the target this season the 29-yearold has dovetailed nicely with Carlos Tevez and it’s only a matter of time before he finds the net.
