Atleticovs.Lille

While Atleti were thumped by Benfica in Lisbon, an intrepid Lille side toppled reigning champions Real Madrid, leaving the pair level on three points in the standings.

Match preview

Having put together an impressive nine-game unbeaten run at the start of their 2024-25 campaign, Atletico Madrid saw that streak abruptly ended by Benfica earlier this month, when their second-half horror show resulted in an embarrassing 4-0 defeat.

After the break at Estadio da Luz, former Real Madrid man Angel Di Maria scored the hosts' second goal after Conor Gallagher conceded a penalty, and Atleti's misery was later completed when Reinildo committed a foul that led to another spot-kick.

Stretching back to last season, Atletico have shipped at least one goal in each of their last six Champions League outings - at a troubling rate of two per game - which represents their worst such run for a decade.

Indeed, they have twice conceded four goals in their last three games at Europe's elite level - as many times as throughout the previous 83 - leaving Diego Simeone with a glaring problem to remedy.

If his team are to reach the knockout stage - as they have done on nine of their last 11 attempts - surely home form will do much of the heavy lifting: for all their woes, after a 2-1 win against Leipzig on the opening matchday, Atleti are unbeaten in 11 Champions League games at the Metropolitano.

In fact, Simeone's side can even set a new club best for consecutive home wins in the competition by beating Lille, which would surpass a record that has stood since 1966.

Following a three-game winless run, any sagging spirits were lifted by Sunday's comeback victory over Leganes, which took Los Colchoneros third in La Liga; Alexander Sorloth struck twice in a grandstand finish, setting them up nicely for Lille's midweek visit.

After coming through qualifying via a couple of closely contested ties, Lille lost to Sporting Lisbon in their first league-phase fixture - but they responded in style by felling the 15-time champions on matchday two.

When Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga blocked a shot with his hand, right at the end of the first half, the VAR intervened and a penalty was awarded; star striker Jonathan David coolly converted from the spot to give Les Dogues a precious lead to protect.

Having survived a barrage from Atleti's city rivals throughout the second half, Lille wildly celebrated a famous success with their fans, and they have now won four of their last five group games in the Champions League - as many as throughout the previous 29.

They then came from behind thanks to goals from Angel Gomes and Mitchel Bakker to beat Toulouse in their final fixture before the international break; resuming with a goalless draw against Ligue 1 pace-setters Monaco on Friday evening.

The latter result highlighted a flaw in Bruno Genesio's side, though, as they have now failed to score in three of their last four away games - and their record on the road around Europe also leaves a lot to be desired.

Lille have lost six of their last eight away matches in the Champions League, coming out on top in just two of their last 10 across all UEFA competitions, so a trip to Madrid must be approached with a fair dose of caution.

Atletico Madrid Champions League form:

W

L

Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):

D

W

D

L

D

W

Lille Champions League form:

W

D

W

L

L

W

Lille form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

W

D

Team News

Once again, Diego Simeone will be without injured trio Robin Le Normand (head), Cesar Azpilicueta (calf) and Marcos Llorente, the latter of whom recently returned to training for the first time since being forced off by a thigh problem against Benfica.

An unused substitute for each of the last four games, French forward Thomas Lemar is back in contention after completing the long road back from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Simeone's main selection dilemma comes up front, as big-money buy Julian Alvarez has yet to impress, while Alexander Sorloth scored twice at the weekend and has found the net in three successive matches for club and country.

Antoine Griezmann, who also scored on Sunday, is Atleti's leading marksman this season on four goals; the Frenchman has either scored (six) or assisted (three) in each of his last seven Champions League home games.

Aside from in-demand striker Jonathan David, one of Lille's main threats is provided by Edon Zhergrova, who has attempted more dribbles than any other player in Europe's top club competition this term. He has also scored six club goals so far and was recently on target for Kosovo in the UEFA Nations League.

The visitors will be missing Tiago Santos (ACL), Ismaily (knee), Hakon Arnar Haraldsson (foot) and Ethan Mbappe (thigh), but young midfielder Ngal'ayel Mukau appeared as a late substitute against Monaco having been ruled out since the start of September, and Benjamin Andre is back from suspension.

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; De Paul, Koke, Barrios; Griezmann, Sorloth

Lille possible starting lineup:

Chevalier; Meunier, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Bouaddi, Andre; Zhegrova, Angel Gomes, Cabella; David

We say: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Lille

Lille have lost the ball in their defensive third more often than any other side in the Champions League this season (20), while only two teams have won possession in that part of the pitch more often than Atletico Madrid, suggesting the hosts can make some high turnovers.

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