Atletico Madrid vs PSV
Champions League Round of 16
Venue: Vicente Calderon
Kick-off Time: 7:15 pm GMT
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid would look to see off PSV when they welcome their Dutch counterpart to a Champions League round of 16 game later this week.
The teams played out a goal less draw at Philips Stadion in the first leg and the tie is perfectly poised and anyone could earn the quarter final berth from here. Atletico must win the game to progress, while a score draw will see PSV going to the quarter finals.
PSV Eindhoven’s last quarter final appearance in the Champions League was in 2006-07 season, when they lost to Liverpool both away and home. since then, this is also the first time they got as far as the knock out round since then making this an intriguing fixture.
Atletico Madrid vs PSV Team News
Simeone could use an unchanged starting eleven he fielded in the 3-0 win against Deportivo at the weekend. He will miss the services of Tiago who is out with a leg injury while star striker Fernando Torres and Stefan Savic are doubtful starters for this game.
The Dutch side will be without Gastón Pereiro, who was sent-off in the 68th minute of the first leg clash at Eindhoven. Andrés Guardado and Maxime Lestienne are sidelined due to injury, while Luuk de Jong is available for selection after serving his one match suspension in the first leg.
Atletico Madrid vs PSV predicted Starting XI
Atletico Madrid – Oblak; Godin, Gimenez, Felipe Luis, Juanfran; Carrasco, Saul, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann, Vietto
PSV – Zoet; Brenet, Moreno, Bruma, Arias, van Ginkel, Hendrix, Propper; Locadia, Narsingh, de Jong
Atletico Madrid vs PSV Key Battles
Antonio Griezmann vs Hector Moreno
Griezmann has been in sublime form for the Spanish outfit and has been finding the net with consistency. He will play a huge role in this game and will be up against an experienced Hector Moreno, who will be up to the task on the night. This battle has all the makings of a superb one for the neutrals.
Luuk de Jong vs Diego Godin
After missing the first leg due to suspension, de Jong is back in action for PSV this mid-week and they will be hoping that their forward can get on the score sheet in Spain. However, it will not be easy against the likes of Godin who has been solid at the back for Atleti this season. This battle can go a long way in deciding this tie.
Atletico Madrid vs PSV Key Stats
- Atletico Madrid have kept 12 clean sheets in their last 16 Champions League games.
- At the Calderon, Diego Simeone’s men have kept a clean sheet in 11 of their last 13 Champions League matches.
- PSV have lost nine of their last 12 Champions League away games (W1 D2).
- PSV have conceded only one goal in their last four Champions League games – it was a penalty against CSKA Moscow.
- PSV have never scored more than two goals in their last 37 Champions League games. The last time they did was in the 2005 semi-final second leg against AC Milan (3-1).
- Gabi has assisted three of Atletico Madrid’s last four Champions League goals at the Calderon.
Atletico Madrid vs PSV Prediction
Simeone’s men could not break down their Dutch oppositions in the first leg but they have been scoring for fun in recent times and will surely put one past Zoet on Tuesday. However, they will have to be careful at PSV are a well organized team that can not only be hard to break but can also outwit their opponents in the final third.
This game has all the makings of a close one with extra time and penalties also on the cards. Predicted Scoreline: Atletico Madrid 2-1 PSV Eindhoven.
Image Credit: Face of Football