Atlético Madrid midfielder Álex Baena knows his team faces one of its biggest tests of the Champions League campaign when Bayern Munich visit the Metropolitano tomorrow.
The Spaniard recognizes the quality Vincent Kompany’s side possesses but believes Atlético’s home advantage could prove important against one of Europe’s elite clubs. Baena also sees the matchup as an opportunity for his team to measure itself against some of the best players in the world.
“Bayern are one of the best teams in the world,
with some outstanding players, and I think this is a very exciting challenge for us, a chance to see how far we can go in this Champions League campaign. But I think we’re fortunate to be playing at home, in front of our own fans. Ultimately, every opponent finds it difficult to get points here. We’re very strong at home, and I think tomorrow’s game is one that every player wants to be involved in, given the quality of the opposition and the players they have,” said Baena (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
There is little doubt that Atlético will be looking to make the most of their home surroundings. The Metropolitano can be an intimidating venue, and Diego Simeone’s teams have built much of their identity around making life miserable for visiting opponents.
However, Bayern will not be traveling to Madrid simply to admire the atmosphere or the opposition’s talent. Despite their injury problems, the Bavarians have more than enough quality to make this a very uncomfortable evening for Atlético, too.
Baena is right about one thing: this is precisely the kind of Champions League matchup players want to be involved in. Now it is time to see which team rises to the occasion.
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