Atlético Madrid return home to what will be a sold-out Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday night, where last season’s Champions League finalists Inter Milan await in a vital match to begin the second
half of the league phase.
Atlético sit a disappointing 17th in the table with six points from the opening four rounds, and a three-point gap separates Diego Simeone’s men from the top eight. As it stands, Atleti look bound for a two-legged knockout playoff tie in the new year — but a victory over Inter, more than 20 months after the Rojiblancos dramatically eliminating the three-time winners in the round of 16, would change the equation completely.
“We’re in a pattern of growth,” Simeone told the media on Tuesday. “We have to improve in some situations, we’re aware of it, and we’re working on them.”
Though Inter’s league form has been wobbly — the 20-time Italian champions sit fourth with eight wins and four losses in Serie A — the Nerazzurri have responded strongly from May’s stunning 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in this competition’s final. Under first-year coach Cristian Chivu, Inter have picked up all 12 points available to them in the Champions League, and they have conceded just once against Kairat, Union Saint-Gilloise, Slavia Praha, and Ajax.
“Inter have an incredible squad,” Simeone said. “It’s a team that plays very well, a team with personality, a team with a clear way of attacking. I watched the entire game against Milan (on Sunday, a 1-0 loss), they created a lot of chances and could have won the game.”
Team news
The big news entering this match centers on Marcos Llorente, who has been ruled out through injury. That means Nahuel Molina, who accompanied Simeone at Tuesday’s press conference, will keep his place at right-back after completing 90 minutes against Getafe on Sunday.
“Marcos’ injury is a big loss for our team,” Molina said. “If I’m called upon, I will try to help with the same desire as ever and work as hard as I can.
“Simeone has always encouraged me, he’s pushed me in training and to believe in myself. I’m grateful for his support, but also for that of the coaching staff. You have to know how to bounce back when you’re going through a rough patch.”
Simeone did not say whether Jan Oblak or Giuliano Simeone would be available to play Wednesday; media reports previously had indicated that Giuliano at least would be in the squad. Both players missed Sunday’s 1-0 win at Getafe, and all El Cholo told the media was he had not spoken to the medical staff as of 5 p.m. Madrid time.
For what it’s worth, I saw Giuliano and Oblak taking part in rondos during the portion of training open to the media on Tuesday. However, I did not see Nico Gonzalez, who has taken ill and is doubtful to face Inter.
Possible 11 Musso; Molina, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Barrios, Baena, Giuliano; Griezmann, Alvarez.
