UEFA Champions League: Inter vs Atletico Madrid Live
Preview: Inter vs Atletico Madrid
Inter vs Atletico Madrid is one of the standout matchups of the Champions League last-16 stage this year. The first leg of their clash will be held at San Siro on Tuesday. Inter, who were last season’s runners-up, are currently leading Serie A, while Atletico Madrid advanced to the knockout rounds after a strong performance in the group stage.
Inter has started 2024 with a winning streak of eight games, putting them in top form as they prepare to return to the Champions League. They have established themselves as one of Europe’s top teams in the competition over the last two seasons. The team has only lost one out of their last 13 matches in the UEFA Champions League, with that defeat coming against Manchester City in the 2023 final. They have also kept eight clean sheets during this period.
Despite finishing second in Group D behind Real Sociedad, Inter has faced only one major setback, losing to Bologna in the Coppa Italia. The team has reached new heights in the New Year, winning the Supercoppa Italiana and defeating rivals Juventus in the Derby d’Italia. With a nine-point lead in Serie A after a 4-0 victory over Salernitana, Inter, led by captain and top scorer Lautaro Martinez, are also considered strong contenders to reach the Champions League final in June at Wembley.
Diego Simeone has led Atletico Madrid to victory in five out of six previous knockout matches against Italian clubs in continental competitions. The Spanish team is now aiming for their sixth win at San Siro, where they have not faced Inter before. Despite trailing behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Atletico Madrid performed impressively in the Champions League group stage, scoring 17 goals – their best tally in a decade. Alvaro Morata was a standout player, scoring five goals in six games.
However, Atletico Madrid has struggled with inconsistent form recently. They prepared for their match against Inter with a 5-0 victory over Las Palmas, breaking a three-game winless streak. Atletico Madrid has a strong home record this season, with 12 wins and one draw at the Metropolitano, but their away form has been less impressive, with only four wins in the league. They are expected to face a tough challenge from Inter, who are known for their strong performances at home.
Head-to-head
The only competitive encounter between the two teams was in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup, which Atletico Madrid won with goals from Sergio Aguero and Jose Antonio Reyes.
Prediction
Both Inter and Atletico have a wealth of European experience, determination, and tactical knowledge, indicating that a close match is likely. Both teams have been scoring frequently this season, and their strong attacking players are expected to make an impact.
