Overview
Atletico Madrid made history last weekend. They not only ended Xabi Alonso's unbeaten streak as Real Madrid coach, but also scored 5 goals in the Madrid derby - the first time since 1950).
The 5-2 victory over Los Blancos was even more impressive considering Atletico were 1-2 behind and had to fight strong to win all 3 points.
After a sublime performance in La Liga, Diego Simeone and his team will aim for their first victory in the Champions League this season. However, Atletico's journey to Europe did not start very smoothly, when they conceded a goal in the 92nd minute and suffered a 2-3 defeat at Anfield to Liverpool.
Notably, Simeone received a red card right after the decisive goal for colliding with a fan. This means he will not be able to directly direct his players in the confrontation with Frankfurt.
Speaking about the German representative, Eintracht Frankfurt traveled to Spain after a dramatic match against Borussia Monchengladbach. In that match, they scored 6 goals in just the first 47 minutes, before conceding the remaining 4 goals.
Although the score was a bit crazy, this is no stranger to head coach Dino Toppmoller. He has seen so many explosive games in the first weeks of the season.
Just a week before the tinhch with Gladbach, Frankfurt lost 3-4 at home to Union Berlin - a match that also had a red card and a penalty.
In the Champions League, the Bundesliga team also just had an exciting score chase. However, this time they ended happily when they defeated Galatasaray 5-1 to win convincingly.
Personnel situation
Julian Alvarez missed the Champions League match against Liverpool two weeks ago due to a minor strain in his knee. However, the Argentine striker - who has just scored 5 goals in the last 2 La Liga matches - is ready to return to face Frankfurt. He will aim to score in his third consecutive match in all competitions.
On the other hand, Antoine Griezmann started against Liverpool but will most likely have to sit on the bench in this match. The French striker has come off the bench in 2 of Atletico Madrid's last 3 matches.
In terms of force, Atletico are having a headache with a number of injuries. Defender Jose Maria Gimenez has problems with his thighs, Johnny Cardoso has an ankle injury, and Thiago Almada has not recovered from a muscle injury.
On the Frankfurt side, Jonathan Burkardt is a name that Atletico's defense must be especially wary of. The German striker has scored in the last 3 official matches, including a double and an assist in the win over Galatasaray in the Champions League.
In defense, Robin Koch is still a reliable blocker but has also left his mark on the attack front. He scored his first double of his career against Monchengladbach last weekend.
Frankfurt also have personnel concerns as defender Rasmus Kristensen has suffered a muscle injury. In the goal, the goalkeeper position is still open. Kaua Santos, after returning from a knee injury, has only played 2 matches and conceded 8 goals.
In that context, Michael Zetterer hopes to be given a chance, after his most recent starting position was a 5-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Personnel situation
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Hancko, Lenglet, Le Normand, Llorente, Gonzalez, Koke, Barrios, Simeone, Alvarez, Sorloth.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Zetterer, Brown, Theate, Koch, Collins, Knauff, Uzun, Skhiri, Chaibi, Doan, Burkardt.
The match between Atletico Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt takes place at 2:00 am on October 1 (Vietnam time).
