Inter Milan is looking to claim another successful run in the Champions League by earning first leg advantage against Atletico Madrid. These two teams are set to meet for their third European match, where both teams have one win each. Inter is coming into this match after finishing their group stage at the second with 12 points. Moreover, Inter are with confidence here, as they were able to win their last three matches. Meanwhile, for Atletico, they finished the group stage as the winners of their group, earning 14 points. Just like their opponent, Atletico are also confident in this match, as they are unbeaten in their last five matches. The meeting between these two teams is on February 21, 2024, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
Inter Milan
Inter, with eight wins in 2024, are in peak form for their return to the Champions League. They have lost only one of their last 13 games in UEFA’s top club competition, with the lone defeat coming against Manchester City in the 2023 final. Inter has only suffered one setback since finishing second in Group D, and their New Year has seen them reach new heights. They have won three consecutive Supercoppa Italiana, including the Derby d’Italia, and are nine points clear atop Serie A. They are also among the favorites to reach June’s Champions League finale at Wembley. However, their first knockout meeting with a Spanish side since the 2010 semi-finals presents a challenge, partly due to the coaching of an ex-Inter midfielder.
Inter’s wing-backs Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco are expected to return to the starting XI in midweek, while Francesco Acerbi recovers from a calf injury. Juan Cuadrado is the only player in the treatment room. The hosts will line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Hakan Calhanoglu in midfield and Marcus Thuram in front.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, has won five of six previous knockout matches against Italian clubs in continental competition. They now seek their sixth at San Siro, where they have yet to face Inter. Atleti trail behind Real Madrid in La Liga, but have blitzed through Group E, scoring 17 Champions League goals. Alvaro Morata scored five in six games, the most by a Spanish player since Atletico’s run to the final in 2014. They ended a three-game streak without victory with a 5-0 win against Las Palmas, marking the best home record in Spain’s top flight. However, Atletico have won only four times in the league on the road, and Inter is expected to put pressure on them.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone faces a significant absence list, with Gabriel Paulista, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thomas Lemar sidelined. Alvaro Morata was withdrawn due to a knee injury. Despite this, Atletico has options in attack, with Antoine Griezmann scoring 18% of their Champions League goals.
Prediction:
Inter Milan (1.5)
Odds: -0.82
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