Atletico Madrid secured a third-place finish in the La Liga Santander last term, to earn a spot in the group stages of Europe’s elite club football competition.
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Atletico Madrid will host Porto in their opening group match of the 2022-23 Champions League season at the Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday night. The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in a La Liga fixture last Saturday, while the Portuguese outfit defeated Gil Vicente 2-0 in a Primeira Liga match a day later. Atletico Madrid secured a third-place finish in the La Liga Santander last term, to earn a spot in the group stages of Europe’s elite club football competition, while Porto won the 2021-22 Primeira Liga trophy.
We’re coming for you. pic.twitter.com/U68Xh3yUjN
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 5, 2022
Atletico Madrid have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in the last two editions. The Red and whites have had a mixed start to the 2022-23 La Liga season, having recorded two wins, one draw and a defeat so far. In their last match against Real Sociedad, Alvaro Morata’s opener was canceled out by Umar Sadiq to share the points. Diego Simeone’s side are currently occupying seventh spot in Spain’s top flight, boasting seven points from their opening four games.
Porto, on the other hand, have won four of their opening five league games so far, to be sitting at the third position in the Primeira Liga standings. Their recent victory against Gil Vicente, courtesy of two first half goals from Mehdi Taremi and Galeno, helped the Blue and whites move to 12 points, just two behind leaders Benfica. The Dragons, who had famously lifted the European Cup in 2003-04 under Jose Mourinho, finished third in their Champions League group last season and then went on to lose the Europa League last-16 tie against Lyon.
Atletico has quite a number of players unavailable for selection because of injuries and suspension. Felipe is suspended for Wednesday’s game, while Stefan Savic and Sergio Reguilon are nursing injuries. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak is having a groin problem, therefore Ivo Grbic is likely to start in goal. As for Porto, midfielder Marko Grujic and Wilson Manafa are out with injuries. Evanilson is expected to partner Taremi up front.
Atletico Madrid probable starting lineup: Grbic, Gimenez, Witsel, Reinildo, Molina, Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Carrasco, Morata, Felix
Porto probable starting lineup: D Costa, Mario, Pepe, Marcano, Wendell, Otavio, Uribe, B Costa, Pepe, evanilson, Taremi
The Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Porto will take place at Metropolitano stadium on Thursday at 12:30 am IST.
| Atletico Madrid vs Porto | Key details |
| Date | September 7 (Spain) |
| Venue | Metropolitano stadium |
| Kickoff time in Spain | 9:00 pm (Wednesday) |
| Kickoff time in Portugal | 8:00 pm (Wednesday) |
For the football fans in India, the live telecast of the Champions League is available on the Sony Ten network. You can also live stream through SonyLIV App/ website. Besides, the supporters in Spain can watch the match between Atletico Madrid and Porto on Movistar network. Meanwhile, those in Portugal can catch the live action via TVI player and Eleven Sport 1 Portugal.
