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Lille produced one of the biggest shock results in recent Champions League history by beating Real Madrid last time out and are now aiming to complete a ‘Madrid double’ with victory over Atletico.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Wednesday October 23rd 2024: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – TNT Sports 6 / US – CBS Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
ATLETICO MADRID PREVIEW: RESPONSE NEEDED AFTER BENFICA THRASHING
Following the highs of a late victory over RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid felt the opposite end of that scale in their last Champions League encounter. They are hammered by Benfica in Lisbon, losing by four goals to nil. That result served as a big blow to Atletico’s goal difference which could come back to cost them down the line.
Since then, the Spaniards have taken four points from their last two games in La Liga, drawing with Real Sociedad 1-1, before beating Leganes 3-1 in a commanding performance.
LILLE PREVIEW: STILL ON A HIGH FOLLOWING REAL TRIUMPH
Lille weren’t given much of a chance by anyone against Real Madrid, but the French side shocked many by triumphing over the reigning European champions. It was a penalty from Jonathan David in first half stoppage time that turned out to be the winning goal, sparking wild scenes in the home end as their side proceeded to hang on.
Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier made a number of key saves for his team and the defence dug in under heavy pressure from Los Blancos. In the end, the three points went to Lille, their first three of the league phase thus far.
ATLETICO MADRID TEAM NEWS: DEFENDER SHORTAGE ON ATLETICO SIDE
A number of players won’t feature for Atletico, including defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet. Pablo Barrios and Marcus Llorente are also out with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Oblak; Witsel, Gimenez, Reinildo; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher, Lino; Griezmann, Sorloth
UNAVAILABLE: Azpilicueta (Injured), Barrios (Injured), Le Normand (Injured), Lenglet (Injured), Llorente (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LILLE TEAM NEWS: BAKKER ONLY DOUBT FOR LILLE
A thigh problem has rendered Mitchel Bakker doubtful for the trip to Atletico Madrid. Aside from him, boss Bruno Genesio looks set to have a fully-fit squad to choose from with Angel Gomes returning from suspension.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Chevalier; Meunier, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Bouaddi, Angel Gomes; Zhegrova, Cabella, Sahraoui; David
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Bakker (Injured)
KEY STATS
ATLETICO MADRID VS LILLE PREDICTION
Atletico Madrid’s home record is an excellent one and underlines the challenge Lille have ahead of them. It’s important to remember that the visitors are still yet to score from open play across their Champions League campaign and it would be no surprise to see their attack blunted. With the in-form Antoine Griezmann Atletico’s side, the likelihood is that they will carve out enough opportunities to find the net at least once. Therefore, backing them to go on and win appears a sensible play.
ATLETICO MADRID VS LILLE TIP: ATLETICO MADRID TO WIN