The first of two-quarter pairings that pitches a team from the Bundesliga against one from the LaLiga will be going down tonight as RB Leipzig take on Atletico Madrid.

This quarter-final contest would most likely be a cagey one as it has an attack-minded team taking on one of the closely-knitted defense set up in European football.

It is worthy to note that Atlético Madrid dumped out reigning European champions Liverpool in the previous round of the Champions League in March

Diego Simeone’s side earned a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Liverpool before showing their class with a 3-2 victory in extra-time at Anfield.

Though bookmakers believe the Spanish team should secure a semi-final spot with victory over Leipzig at Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade, it would definitely not be a stroll in the park.

Indeed, Leipzig have plenty to prove even though this is the first time they are making it this far in the Champions League.

Atletico will enter this one-legged tie in good shape, too, having gone 18 matches without defeat either side of the coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

Simeone credited the victory over Liverpool for reigniting his side’s campaign, claiming that it gave his players belief that they are good enough to beat any team.

After finishing third in La Liga behind the big two, Atleti’s full focus is now on the biggest trophy in club football, and they have a good record against German opposition.

For Leipzig, they topped their group before easing to a 4-0 aggregate win over Tottenham Hotspur in the first knockout round.

Team News

RB Leipzig 

Julian Nagelsmann does not have any major injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s return to the UEFA Champions League. Against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, the RB Leipzig boss will not have any player on the sidelines, although he will not be able to call upon a key player anymore in Timo Werner.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid were faced with a coronavirus scare ahead of the UEFA Champions League finals in Portugal after two of their players tested positive for COVID-19. Those two players are Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko, who are currently self isolating and will not feature in any capacity against RB Leipzig.

Otherwise, Diego Simeone has just one other concern, with Thomas Partey, linked with a possible summer switch to Arsenal, doubtful due to a minor thigh complaint. If Partey misses out, Koke and Saul Niguez will pair up in the middle of the park.

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:

Gulacsi; Klostermann, Upamecano, Halstenberg; Mukiele, Laimer, Sabitzer, Angelino; Nkunku, Olmo; Schick

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi; Llorente, Partey, Saul, Koke; Felix, Costa

This tie does not look like a high scoring contest so staking for Under 2.5

source:- fcnaija