The Daily Star Ireland
Atletico Madrid is keen to advance to the next phase of the Champions League, currently sitting in 15th place, just one point behind 8th place (the last spot for the round of 16) and five points ahead of 25th place (which misses the playoffs).
In the first five days, Atletico faced defeats against Benfica (4-0) and Lille (1-3 at home), but secured victories over Leipzig (2-1), PSG (1-2), and delivered a strong 6-0 win over Sparta Prague. In La Liga, Atletico Madrid holds the 3rd position, trailing only behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Slovan Bratislava, regarded as one of the weaker teams in this Champions League, has yet to earn a point. They are currently second to last, having suffered defeats to Celtic (5-1), Manchester City (0-4), Girona (2-0), and Dinamo Zagreb (1-4), though they put up more of a fight against AC Milan, losing narrowly (2-3). Domestically, Slovan Bratislava dominates, having won the last six championships and aiming for a seventh consecutive title this season.
Atletico Madrid will be without key defenders Le Normand and Molina, along with long-term absentee French midfielder Lemar due to injuries. Argentine international Julian Alvarez, who scored twice (including a free kick) in the last Champions League match, was paired with Sorloth (5 goals and 2 assists in La Liga). Griezmann (4 goals and 4 assists in La Liga) might start this time after scoring as a substitute against Sparta Prague, along with Correa (2 goals in La Liga).
Slovan Bratislava is missing important defender Wimmer and a long-term injured striker. Playmaker Tolic, who was sent off against AC Milan and has 7 league assists, is suspended. Winger Barseghyan, who scored and assisted in the last Champions League match and is the top scorer in the Slovak league with 13 goals, remains their key offensive player. Strelec (8 goals in the league) is expected to feature, with Georgia captain Kashia anchoring the defense.
Prediction
Slovan Bratislava’s poor away record, with six losses in their last eight trips and 16 goals conceded, contrasts sharply with Atletico Madrid’s strong form, having scored 20 goals while securing 18 points from a possible 21 in recent matches.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3 : 1 Slovan Bratislava
