Atletico’s unbeaten home record against Bayern faces another test

History favours Atletico in Madrid

Atletico have won two and drawn one of their three home meetings with Bayern. They are also unbeaten in 16 home games against Bundesliga visitors because they defend compactly and attack quickly after winning the ball.

Bayern have won four of the eight meetings overall and have avoided defeat in the last three. They must force Atletico’s compact defence to move from side to side before trying the decisive pass, because an early pass through the middle usually helps the Spanish side.

Both teams need points in a tight table

The teams meet on 3 November after drawing their third league-phase games. Bayern are 14th with five points and Atletico are 16th with four. Atletico midfielder Morten Hjulmand is suspended, adding another problem in the area where the hosts usually win possession in midfield.

Atletico have conceded in each of their last 12 matches against German opposition. Bayern are without Luis Diaz, Serge Gnabry, Ismael Saibari and Jamal Musiala, while Michael Olise travelled after returning to training but remains a fitness concern.

Play on the flanks may decide the match

Bayern still have Kane as a central reference and can use the players on the flanks to pull Atletico’s defence apart. The Spanish side will defend the space outside the penalty area and attack behind the visiting full-backs after winning the ball.

Kane has scored in ten consecutive Champions League appearances. If he scores against Atletico, he will equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s competition record of 11. Atletico’s centre-backs must therefore track Kane even when Bayern’s midfielders enter the penalty area.