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The Champions League returns with little respite for Atlético. A week after suffered to beat Salzburg, faces another vital clash, since defeating Lokomotiv would greatly flatten the classification. But those of Simeone must be careful, because Bayern beat the horn in Moscow a week ago. The Russian team had the champion on the ropes and only the lack of aim deprived him of scoring. Atlético is advised, although it is not necessary. Cholo knows that it is in these games where the future is played (follow the match live on As.com).
And reasons for optimism are not lacking for the technician. The equipment begins to work. The group and the individuals do it. João Félix scored a double against Salzburg and another in Pamplona. But beyond the goals, what is important is what he transmits: he already seems ready to lead an Atlético that made an exceptional second half against Osasuna. The rest is also intoned and Koke reminded that player that when it works, everything Atleti does. The team is fit and at a high level it is hard to beat.
Simeone will rotate
It cannot be otherwise, as Cádiz awaits on Saturday. Luis Suárez and Saúl traveled. The forward rested against Osasuna and the middle has missed the last five games. Saúl must be a key player at Atlético. He knows it, although the competition increases: Herrera has taken a step forward, Torreira left a few minutes and scored and Kondogbia arrives. We will see if the person from Elche is the owner. Simeone is looking forward to seeing him in action. In principle Suárez will play upstairs and we will see his partner. Dispensing with João Félix seems a sin, but the calendar is tightening. The positive is that Cholo has a choice: Correa, Llorente, Vitolo, Lemar …
Atlético, on the other hand, arrived in Moscow almost as if they were going to the Bernabéu. The route is known by heart. Played for Lokomotiv in the previous group stage and won 0-2. It was João Félix's first goal in the Champions League as a rojiblanco. And in March 2018 he won 1-5 in the Europa League, with a double from Torres. In the end, Atlético won the title in Lyon against Marseille. Today there will be an audience, about 8,000 spectators who will give color to the stands. The rival is in a small crisis, seven points behind the leadership in his league and comes to this appointment after losing to Sochi. But the Miranchuk, Smolov, Ignatiev, Zé Luis and company They know that their few options to qualify are to win at Atlético.
Suárez, more than five years without an away goal in the Champions League
Luis Suárez has a new opportunity to fight against an almost inexplicable curse for a scorer like him. The last both of the striker as a visitor in the Champions League was in September 2015, more than five years ago, in a Barça match at the Roma home. Since then, to zero.
It is true that it marked last August in Lisbon, andn the Bayern-Barça of such an ungrateful memory for the footballer, but that appointment was on neutral ground, neither team played at home. Two weeks ago, Suárez had options to end that drought precisely against Bayern, but this time in Munich. It was another tough defeat and the charrúa enjoyed a couple of clear chances against Neuer. As rojiblanco he has not yet scored in European competition, while in the league he has already celebrated four goals. Simeone talks about “you have to supply him with balls” and that is the plan for tonight.