RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News
By Will Day
RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid meet on Thursday evening in the second quarter-final of the revamped Champions League.
The teams face off at Sporting Lisbon's Estádio José Alvalade as rules for the mini-tournament mean all games are played at neutral venues. With no second-leg, the victor will be decided on the night.
Leipzig have enjoyed another fine season as they finished third in the Bundesliga for a second consecutive year. Under Julian Nagelsmann, they have been especially impressive in the Champions League - comfortably topping their group, before brutally dispatching Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16, 4-0 on aggregate.
Atleti also finished third in La Liga, although that's a bit of a disappointment given their high standards. They have struggled offensively all season, with Alvaro Morata the only player to hit double figures, and also failed to impress in the group stages.
But a defensive masterclass over two legs against current Champions League holders Liverpool showed just how stoic Atletico can be, under the guidance of the resilient Diego Simeone.
Where to Watch
When is Kick Off? Thursday 13 August
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (BST)
Where Is It Played? Estadio José Alvalade
TV Channel/Live Stream: BT Sport (UK), fuboTV (US)
Team News
Leipzig will be without star striker Timo Werner as the German international has already completed his move to Chelsea, while French defender Ibrahima Konate is out after undergoing hip surgery.
Yussuf Poulsen has recovered from an ankle injury and is likely to be fit for the game, while Marcel Halstenberg is also in contention. Marcel Sabitzer, who was a doubt, is expected to be fit.
After being rocked by two positive COVID-19 tests, the rest of Atletico's squad have tested negative - Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko the two players who are now in isolation. Thomas Partey is a doubt, but may be fit enough to make the squad.
Predicted Lineups
Leipzig: Gulasci; Klostermann, Upamecano, Halstenberg; Mukiele, Sabitzer (c), Kampl, Angelino; Olmo, Nkunku; Schick
Atletico: Oblak; Arias, Gimenez, Savic, Lodi; Llorente, Koke (c), Saul, Carrasco; Felix, Costa
Recent Form
Leipzig were a bit and up down with their Bundesliga form after things got back underway, winning every game they played away from home but picking up just four points in five home games. Playing at a neutral venue may benefit them as a result.
Atleti, on the other hand, have been in solid form since La Liga resumed, and are unbeaten in 11 games. In that time, they have picked up seven victories and shared the spoils on four occasions.
Here's a breakdown of their last five competitive fixtures.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig 1-1 SC Paderborn (6/6)
1899 Hoffenheim 0-2 Leipzig (12/6)
Leipzig 2-2 Fortuna Düsseldorf (17/6)
Leipzig 0-2 Borussia Dortmund (20/6)
FC Augsburg 1-2 Leipzig (27/6)
Atletico Madrid
Atletico 3-0 Mallorca (3/7)
Celta Vigo 1-1 Atlético (7/7)
Atletico 1-0 Real Betis (11/7)
Getafe 0-2 Atletico (16/7)
Atletico 1-1 Real Sociedad (19/7)
Prediction
The absence of Timo Werner up front will be a huge blow for Leipzig. Atleti's watertight defence is difficult to breach at the best of times, so the departure of one of European football's leading marksman is hardly ideal preparation for such a game.
Patrik Schick is more than capable of making a nuisance of himself, but you fancy Simeone's side to soak up pressure before hitting Leipzig on the counter. Superior experience at this level may help the Spaniard's earn another semi-final berth.
Prediction: RB Leipzig 0-1 Atletico Madrid
