Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night will meet Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise in a competitive fixture for the first time, as both sides’ league phase campaigns continue in the UEFA Champions League.
Atlético are hoping to bounce back from last month’s dispiriting 4-0 defeat at Arsenal, while Union suffered a home defeat to Inter Milan by the same scoreline in matchday three. Both sides are hanging out in the lower reaches of the knock-out playoff places; Atleti enter Tuesday’s contest in 19th place with a minus-1 goal difference, while Union are 24th with a minus-6 difference.
Brussels-based Union Saint-Gilloise have emerged as a powerhouse in Belgian football since Tony Bloom and Alex Muzio purchased the club in 2018. Union returned to the Belgian top flight in 2021 after a 49-year absence; last season, Les Unionistes won their first top-flight title since 1935. Thanks in part to the efforts of top scorer Kevin Rodríguez (seven goals), Union this season are top of the Belgian Pro League with 10 wins and 28 goals scored from 13 games played.
In Europe, Union embarked on an inspiring run to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals in 2023 before it reached the Europa Conference League knockouts the following year. Under 37-year-old manager David Hubert, USG’s ascendance has continued amid a first-ever participation in the main phase of a Champions League campaign.
Team news
Picu Díaz at Diario AS reported Sunday that Pablo Barrios is closing in on a return from his low-grade groin strain. Mundo Deportivo reported that Barrios trained normally Monday and should be in the squad following a one-game absence due to a low-grade groin pull.
Elsewhere, Johnny Cardoso could be in line to make his Champions League debut for the club after not featuring against Sevilla, and Josema Giménez is OK despite fostering injury concerns during the 3-0 win — the latter though may be rested for Union Saint-Gilloise’s visit.
In less-positive news, Nico Gonzalez has picked up a knock and is unlikely to feature; Juan Musso, who fell ill last week, is not yet back in team training, and Atlético Madrileño goalkeeper Salvi Esquivel is expected to serve as Jan Oblak’s backup again.
With Giménez’s fitness being monitored, Robin Le Normand is likely to return to the lineup after he rested for the first time this season, and Tuesday may be a good opportunity for Conor Gallagher to make his first start in five weeks.
Gallagher last started on Sept. 30, and rumors continue to swirl over his future. Manchester United reportedly retain a firm interest in the England midfielder, who has struggled for playing time even after the departure of Rodrigo De Paul over the summer.
Possible 11 Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Gallagher, Baena, Giuliano; Griezmann, Alvarez.
