Atletico Madrid vs Slovan Bratislava

Estadio Metropolitano forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ UEFA Champions League meeting between Atletico Madrid and Slovan Bratislava.

Atletico Madrid maintained their rich vein of form in scintillating fashion last weekend, overturning a 3-1 deficit in a breathless 4-3 home league win against Sevilla, extending their winning streak in all competitions to nine matches. Now firmly back in La Liga’s title race, Diego Simoene’s men resume their continental duties in high spirits, seeking a third consecutive Champions League triumph. Atletico’s indifferent record after the opening five league phase rounds (W3, L2) means beating Slovan Bratislava is imperative to keep their hopes of securing automatic last-16 qualification alive. ‘Los Rojiblancos’ thumped Sparta Prague 6-0 on the road on the previous matchday, posting their joint-biggest win at Europe’s top table while setting the groundwork for an immediate home improvement after only winning seven of their last 18 Champions League home outings (D7, L4).

On the other hand, Slovan Bratislava’s humiliating debut campaign in Europe’s most prestigious competition took another hit in round five as a 3-2 home defeat to AC Milan left them pointless. As one of only three teams yet to put a single point on the board, the visitors are on the verge of waving goodbye to the Champions League. Defensive woes have seen Vladimir Weiss’ side concede a competition-high 18 goals, capitulating at least three times per match on four occasions! That hardly bodes well for Slovan’s bid to defy an underwhelming seven-game winless streak against Spanish opposition (D2, L5). Indeed, they’ve lost their last three such encounters, suggesting Atletico Madrid are decent value to take another routine home victory.