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Atlético Madrid are still finding their rhythm after a busy summer transfer window brought several new faces into Diego Simeone’s squad. Their domestic form has been underwhelming, with only one win from their opening five La Liga fixtures. Last week offered a crucial chance for recovery with consecutive Madrid derbies—first against Rayo Vallecano and then against rivals Real Madrid—serving as vital preparation ahead of this European showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Champions League campaign has also started on a shaky note for Atlético. On matchday one, they lost 3-2 away at Liverpool, conceding the decisive goal in stoppage time. That result left them chasing points early in the group stage.
Frankfurt’s Early Promise and Setbacks
Eintracht Frankfurt sit at the top of the group thanks to a thumping 5-1 victory over Galatasaray in their opening match. New recruit Jonathan Burkardt starred with two goals and an assist, making an immediate impact after arriving from Mainz. Fellow summer signing Elye Wahi also impressed, linking up well with Ansgar Knauff, while 19-year-old Can Yilmaz Uzun continued his rise with another strong performance, adding to his tally of four goals and two assists in the Bundesliga this season.
However, Frankfurt’s domestic form has been inconsistent. They followed up their Champions League triumph with a 4-3 home defeat to Union Berlin, having already lost 3-1 away to Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the campaign. Most recently, they traveled to Borussia Mönchengladbach hoping to halt a run of two straight Bundesliga defeats.
In terms of personnel, Mario Götze returned to the squad against Union Berlin after missing the start of the season, while Danish defender Rasmus Kristensen is sidelined through injury. Forward Jessic Ngankam is unavailable for the Champions League, leaving coach Dino Toppmöller with fewer attacking options.
Atlético’s Squad Situation
For Atlético, injuries have been a challenge in the opening weeks. Julián Álvarez missed the Liverpool game but has since returned to fitness and is expected to start. In contrast, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, and Álex Baena—three of the club’s summer additions—remain unavailable. Key defender José María Giménez is also still undergoing treatment and is unlikely to feature.
Despite these absences, Simeone still has a strong core at his disposal. Midfielder Pablo Barrios and veteran Marcos Llorente, who scored twice against Liverpool, will both be crucial in maintaining balance. Antoine Griezmann and Giacomo Raspadori are also expected to play central roles in attack as Atlético aim to secure their first Champions League points of the season.
Match Outlook
Both sides arrive with contrasting European fortunes: Atlético desperate to bounce back after a late collapse at Anfield, and Frankfurt eager to build on their emphatic win over Galatasaray. At home, Simeone’s side traditionally perform well, winning nine of their last fourteen Champions League fixtures at the Metropolitano. That record, combined with the return of Álvarez, should give Atlético an edge despite Frankfurt’s attacking promise.
Prediction
Eintracht Frankfurt’s inconsistency in the Bundesliga and injury concerns may leave them vulnerable against an Atlético side that rarely falters on home soil. Expect Simeone’s men to take control and finally find their spark in Europe.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 3 – 1 Eintracht Frankfurt
