Atletico Madrid are set to battle for a spot in the last four of the UEFA Champions League against the quarter-finals first-timers, RB Leipzig.
The face-off is slated to take place at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Thursday evening.
The Rojiblancos, who knocked out the title holders, Liverpool, in the round 16, are in the quarter-finals for a fifth time in seven seasons, while Leipzig made it for the first time.
The Diego Simeone’s Atletico will go into the new pattern of one-legged UCL tie in good shape after going 18 matches unbeaten.
After finishing third in La Liga behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, Simone’s side will be fully focused on the biggest trophy in club football.
The Los Rojiblancos have had good games against German clubs with their record progress against Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and Bayern Munich in 2016.
Injuries
The Los Rojiblancos will start the match without one of their forwards, Angel Correa, and right-back Sime Vrsaljko who were tested positive for COVID-19 at the weekend as they set to self-isolate at home.
On the side of Leipzig, the absence of Werner would give Nagelsmann no option than to use Yussuf Poulsen and Patrik Schick up top which mean retaining the same 3-5-2 setup that has worked so well for the club.
But his hand may be further forced as Poulsen missed the end of the domestic campaign with an injury.
Predicted lineup: Leipzig
Goalkeeper: Gulacsi;
Defence: Klostermann, Upamecano, Halstenberg;
Midfield: Mukiele, Laimer, Sabitzer, Angelino;
Forward: Nkunku, Olmo; Schick
Predicted lineup: Atletico Madrid
Goalkeeper: Oblak;
Defence: Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi;
Midfield: Llorente, Partey, Saul, Koke;
Forward: Felix, Costa
