Champions League v Atlético Madrid

By: j | September 15th, 2008

Javier Aguirre leads Atlético Madrid to Philips Stadion to face PSV in the Champions League. Atlético Madrid features a great line-up that includes superstar to-be Sergio Agüero and ex-Ajax man John Heitinga.

Recent Form
Atlético Madrid – combined (2 W, D, 2 L) (GS, GA)
Aug 13 Schalke 04 1 – 0 Atlético Madrid (Champions League qualifying)
Aug 27 Atlético Madrid 4 – 0 Schalke 04 (Champions League qualifying)
Aug 31 Atlético Madrid 4 – 0 Málaga (La Liga)
Sep 13 Valladolid 2 – 1 Atlético Madrid (La Liga)

Atlético Madrid powered through the qualifying stages overwhelming Schalke 04 of the Bundesliga and cannot be underestimated. They attack with flourish and typically mark with discipline although this past weekends let down again is possibly related from looking to rest players ahead of this match. Argentine international Sergio Agüero is one of the most exciting young players in the sport and with Maniche, they can change a match instantly. PSV’s back four of Carlos Salcido,Dirk Marcellis,Erik Pietersn and Jeremie Bréchet will need to work overtime to keep him under-wraps. Sight-lines are key in facing Los Rojiblancos and defensively they must be highly disciplined. Atlético Madrid is without Maxi Rodríguez, Mariano Pernía, Pablo Ibáñez and possibly John Heitinga who would miss his “warm” reception.

Expected lineups
Atlético Madrid
Grégory Coupet
Giourkas Seitaridis, Tomas Ujfalusi, Johnny Heitinga, Antonio López
Luis García, Maniche, Paulo Assuncao, Simão,
Diego Forlan, Sergio Agüero

PSV
Andreas Isaksson,
Carlos Salcido, Dirk Marcellis, Erik Pieters, Jeremie Bréchet
Timmy Simons, Stijn Wuytens, Balázs Dzsudzsák, Ibrahim Afelley
Danny Koevermans, Nordin Amrabat

The key to match, from PSV’s attacking vantage in my opinion will lay in the midfield with Ibrahim Afelley taking center-stage as well as tight marking of Maniche. This will an exciting powder-keg of a match with both clubs possessing extraordinary attacks.

I will report on it once it concludes.