2023-24 UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction

EXPECTED XI

Atletico Madrid

PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Oblak; Llorente, Witsel, Gimenez, Reinildo, Riquelme; Barrios, Koke, Samuel Lino; Griezmann, Morata

Borussia Dortmund

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Emre Can, Brandt; Sancho, Fullkrug, Adeyemi

PREDICTION

For much of the past 12 months, it seemed as though Diego Simeone was tweaking and refining his team's style of play, but those adjustments were largely questioned over the course of two legs against Inter. Despite moments where Atletico appeared vulnerable, they managed to weather the storm, demonstrating resilience and arguably outshining their opponents in extra-time of the second leg. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, progressed through a round of 16 tie against Dutch opponents and navigated through the challenging 'group of death' in the autumn, which included only one team that has reached a European final in the last 17 years. With Dortmund's inconsistent attacking players facing off against an Atletico side focused on securing a lead to defend in Germany, a low-scoring affair seems likely.