Atl. Madrid vs Slovan Bratislava Prediction: 11/12/2024

Atletico Madrid is determined to move on to the next stage of the Champions League, currently ranked 15th in the league phase. They sit just one point behind 8th place, the final position that grants access to the round of 16, and are five points ahead of 25th place, which would miss the playoffs.

Despite setbacks in the early rounds, with defeats to Benfica (4-0) and Lille (1-3 at home), Atletico managed victories over Leipzig (2-1), PSG (1-2), and a dominant 6-0 win against Sparta Prague. In La Liga, Atletico is in 3rd place, trailing only Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Slovan Bratislava, regarded as one of the underdogs in the competition, has yet to collect any points. They are near the bottom, having lost to Celtic (5-1), Manchester City (0-4), Girona (2-0), and Dinamo Zagreb (1-4), although they were narrowly defeated by AC Milan (2-3). In domestic competition, Slovan has been dominant, winning the last six championships and chasing a seventh consecutive title this season.

Atletico Madrid will be missing defenders Le Normand and Molina, as well as midfielder Lemar, who is out with an injury. Argentine international Julian Alvarez, who scored twice in the last Champions League match, will likely be paired with Sorloth, who has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in La Liga. Griezmann, with 4 goals and 4 assists in La Liga, may also start, alongside Correa, who has 2 goals this season.

Slovan Bratislava will be without key defender Wimmer and a long-term injured striker. Playmaker Tolic, who was sent off against AC Milan and has 7 assists in the league, is suspended. Winger Barseghyan, the top scorer in the Slovak league with 13 goals, remains the team’s most important offensive player, with Strelec (8 goals) expected to feature as well. The defense will be anchored by Georgia’s captain Kashia.

Prediction

Slovan Bratislava has struggled away from home, with six losses in their last eight matches and a total of 16 goals conceded. Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, has been in excellent form, scoring 20 goals and earning 18 points from their last 21. Given these contrasting forms, a victory for Atletico seems the more likely outcome.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3 : 1 Slovan Bratislava