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Champions League preview
At the atmospheric Metropolitano: Bayern ready for real battle with Atlético
Bayern are away to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, 3 November for Matchday 4 of the league phase of the Champions League. (live coverage with our text commentary and free web radio on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app from 21:00 CET). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our preview.
Final training, travel, press conference and more – here’s how Bayern’s day unfolded ahead of the game at Atlético:
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With five points from their first three matches, FC Bayern currently sit 14th in the league table. Their opening victory against Bodø (5–0) was followed by two draws: 3-3 against Viking FK in Stavanger and 2-2 against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern are now looking to improve their position against Atlético so that, with four matches remaining, they can ideally finish in the top eight – which would mean direct qualification for the round of 16. However, to achieve this, they’ll need to pick up points against a strong Atlético side, not least at the atmospheric Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
It’s going to be a high-quality clash; we’ve been keeping an eye on Atlético’s progress, and defence remains at the heart of their game. However, they’re also very good at keeping possession. We want to play attacking football, we want to have the ball and make the most of our chances. I’m solely focused on the players who’ve travelled with us, so they can show what they’re capable of. We’re confident, but it’ll be neck and neck with Atlético
FC Bayern assistant coach Aaron Danks
In the Bundesliga, Bayern have a goal difference of 25:6, and have already scored ten times in just three CL matches. So against Atlético, they'll need to bring their attacking quality to the game. “We’re in for a tough match tomorrow,” said striker Harry Kane, who only last week won the Ballon d’Or: “We know how dangerous they are in attack and on the counter-attack. Defensively, they can be very solid and compact, making it difficult to break them down. They’ll play a physical game and, especially at their stadium, apply a lot of pressure, so we'll need to be prepared for a real battle tomorrow evening.”
For Bayern, the main challenge will be to break down the Madrid side’s defensive ramparts. “The team’s identity won’t change under me; the decisions are now in my hands. I think this match is a good one for us; we need to hold our heads high, stick out our chest and simply rise to the challenge,” said Danks ahead of the clash, as he once again deputises for head coach Vincent Kompany, who is off sick.
Team news
Jamal Musiala (following a torn muscle fibre) and Luis Díaz (following a minor tear to a muscle bundle in his hamstring) trained individually with the ball on Monday and are unavailable. In addition, Bayern will be without Serge Gnabry (muscle injury), Ismael Saibari (syndesmotic ligament tear) and Bara Ndiaye (following an appendectomy) in Madrid. Manuel Neuer completed his first training session with the team on Monday before leaving and travelled to Madrid with the squad. Also in the squad is Michael Olise, who was taken off as a precaution during the top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash against Dortmund. “There’s good news: he joined us this morning, as did Manuel Neuer,” said a delighted Danks: "We’ve had a quick chat with them to see how they’re getting on. Things are looking good, and we’ll see tomorrow whether they’re ready."
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The opposition: Atlético Madrid
After three matchdays, Atlético are in 16th place on four points – two places behind FC Bayern. Following their opening-day defeat at Liverpool, the Rojiblancos secured a 2–0 home win against Manchester United. Most recently, Diego Simeone’s side came away with a rather fortunate 1–1 draw at VfB Stuttgart.
In LaLiga, however, Atlético are currently in fine form. After 11 matchdays, the team sit in second place on 28 points, just two points behind leaders Barcelona – and one point ahead of city rivals Real Madrid. In their last nine competitive matches, Atlético have conceded just three goals, with Simeone’s side keeping six clean sheets.
The hosts rely on a compact defensive unit, tight marking and quick transitions. Atlético are traditionally a tough side to beat, particularly at home: the team haven't lost any of their last 16 home games in European competition against German opponents. Their record stands at 12 wins and four draws.
The lowdown on Atlético:
We must look forward to the match with enthusiasm and joy, knowing full well we'll be facing strong and very good opponents who are among the best in this competition.
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone
Atlético have also given very little away against FC Bayern in Madrid so far. In their previous encounters in the Spanish capital, the Munich side have scored just one goal from open play – it came from Thomas Müller from the penalty spot in the 1–1 draw during the 2020/21 Champions League group stage.
“Bayern are one of the best teams in the world, with fantastic players, and it’ll be a real challenge to see how far we can go. We’re playing at home, and that’s where we’re strong,” said Atlético coach Simeone.
Our Ballon d’Or winner is a man on a mission in Madrid:
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