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Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich preview: Contrasting styles to clash in final four

Defensive Atletico host the attacking might of Bayern

Tuesday 26 April 2016 17:22 BST
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Pep Guardiola's side must overturn a first-leg deficit against Diego Simeone's team in Munich next week to make the final
Pep Guardiola's side must overturn a first-leg deficit against Diego Simeone's team in Munich next week to make the final

Pep Guardiola's compelling attack and Diego Simeone's tough defence will be put to the test when Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid meet in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

Atletico would appear to have the edge, because the first leg is in Madrid. At the Vicente Calderon Stadium, the Rojiblanco have lost only twice in 29 games in all competitions, and only once in La Liga.

Atletico's fierce defensive system has let in only five goals in the Champions League this season, the fewest along with local rivals Real Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann scored twice as Atletico upset Barcelona in the quarter-finals 

Meanwhile, Bayern arrives in the Spanish capital with 28 goals from 10 games, the most among all teams this season.

"It's going to be an evenly balanced match," Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso said.

"The defence is clearly one of their strengths, but it's not only that. Atletico know how to play football and are very dangerous in attack. They win possession by aggressive pressing and then play very directly, quickly, and vertically towards goal. We have to be clever."

Atletico has become a force in Europe since the arrival of Simeone, who introduced a team-first attitude and helped the club become one of the toughest teams to beat in Europe.

Atletico have conceded only 26 goals in 51 matches in all competitions this season, conceding more than two goals in a single game just once - a surprise Copa del Rey quarter-final defeat to Celta Vigo,

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal 

"Atletico have developed an idea and they pursue it consistently," Bayern midfielder Thiago Alcantara said. "We know it's going to be a very difficult match at the Vicente Calderon. In terms of atmosphere, it's one of the best arenas in Europe. We have to focus on our play, we mustn't lose control if we're to achieve a good result for the return."

Bayern, in the semi-finals for the fifth straight season, have been successful thanks to Guardiola's trademark attacking prowess. Bayern also lead the Champions League in attempts on goal, with 86, almost nine per game.

"You can play football with different styles. Bayern has its own style and we have ours," Atletico midfielder Augusto Fernandez said. "We play to win every game, and it's easier if we don't concede any goals."

The teams also met in the 1974 final, when Bayern won the first of their five European Cup. Atletico, yet to win the competition, are in the semi-finals for the third time in three seasons. They lost the 2014 final to Real Madrid, the same year they surprisingly won La Liga.

Simeone will likely be without defender Diego Godin because of a muscle injury, while Guardiola may have Jerome Boateng, who hasn't played since hurting his groin in January.

Atletico is in a close fight for the Spanish league title with Barcelona and Real Madrid, while Bayern is one win away from clinching the Bundesliga for the fourth straight season.

AP

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