Spanish opponents haven’t been kind to Stuttgart of late, nor have games on German shores for Atlético Madrid, so something must give in this UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash.
Match News and Current Form
Conceding late in Saturday’s Bundesliga outing against Hamburg (L 1-0) was a frustrating way for Stuttgart to prepare for this fixture, although they can take encouragement from winning their first two UCL fixtures convincingly. The Reds scored three times in each of those victories and now hope to secure back-to-back home UCL wins for the first time since 2003/04, but the visit of Atlético represents a significant step-up in quality from Viking and Slovan Bratislava. Winning six of their last nine major European home games (L3) hints that Sebastian Hoeneß’s side shouldn’t fear their Spanish opponents, a point reinforced by winning six of their last seven league phase games in European competition.
While Stuttgart were beaten by a late goal on Saturday, Atlético benefited from one as they overcame Espanyol 1-0 to claim their sixth competitive win in a row. They’ve had a mixed start in Europe, losing 2-1 at Liverpool before beating Manchester United 2-0 at home, with their defensive issues remaining a concern, particularly on their travels in Europe. Los Colchoneros last kept back-to-back clean sheets in this competition in February 2020, some 64 games ago, while keeping just two across their last 23 away UCL group stage/league phase games goes some way to explaining why their last six UCL road trips produced just one win (D2, L3).
Head-to-Head History
Stuttgart and Atlético have never met previously. This is unlikely to be a game relished by either side, as Stuttgart have won none of their last seven UCL games against Spanish opponents (D2, L5), while Atlético have lost their last five away UCL fixtures against German clubs.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Stuttgart’s last three games produced a goal after the 80th minute.
Nine of Stuttgart’s last ten UCL proper home matches saw both teams score.
Atlético are winless across their last six UCL games on matchday three of the group stage/league phase (D2, L4).
Four of Atlético’s last five competitive away fixtures produced exactly three goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Ermedin Demirović has scored four UCL goals this season, already the most by a Stuttgart player in one European Cup/UCL campaign, with four of his five overall strikes this term arriving at home, the last three of which came in the first half. Álex Baena netted for Atlético against Espanyol, his third goal after the 80th minute from five this term.
Stuttgart have a number of players in doubt for this one including Maximilian Mittelstädt and Tiago Tomás. Johnny Cardoso and Koke were absent for Atlético at the weekend through illness and injury respectively.
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Betting Analysis
The visitors bring significant momentum into this despite their sorry recent record on the road in the UCL, so backing Atlético to win holds plenty of appeal.
Author: John Pennington