Mitch Freeley

Atletico Madrid will face off against Serie A leaders Juventus in one of the standout ties on the Champions League round of sixteen.  As ever, you will be able to watch Atletico Madrid Vs Juventus Live & Exclusive with beIN CONNECT. 

It’s safe to say that Atleti’s defensive brand of football has not impressed this season, however, you have to be impressed at how they have continued to grind out results, leaving them currently second in the La Liga standings behind Barcelona. Whilst in the Champions League, only a 4-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund was the only blot an otherwise solid group stage campaign. 

Diego Simone’s side has had an impressive run in European football in recent years, lifting the Europa League last season and reaching the final in the 2014 & 2016 editions of the competition. Atleti are undefeated in their last 12 knockout home games in the Champions League, meaning this will be a true test of the Italian sides Champions League credentials.     
 

In team news, Atletico will be without influential defender Lucas Hernandez who is out with a knee complaint. Diego Costa & Stefan Savic returned to league action on the weekend, although it remains to be seen if they will have earned a place in the starting lineup. January signing Alvaro Morata is likely to lead the line and face his former side. 

Athletico Madrid Predicted Team
Oblak; Arias, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Koke, Rodri, Thomas, Saul; Griezmann, Morata 

As for Juventus, they are 13 points clear in Italy, and an eighth consecutive league title is seemingly assured. However, we all know that Juve is looking to capture the Champions League crown to underline their dominance. Indeed it was part of the reason they captured Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer. 

The Old Lady is amongst the favourites for the Champions League this season but will be well aware of the test poised by Athleti. Who have had a pedigree in the Champions League in the last five years. Juventus come into the contest following a routine 3-0 victory over Frosinone. In away ties in the Champions League, the Turin giants have only lost once in their last eight encounters, in what was a dead-rubber against Young Boys in the group stages. 

Max Allegri will welcome back the first choice defensive pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci who have returned to action in recent weeks. The contest could see a return of Mario Manzukic to his former club. Expect the former Croatian international to line up with Paulo Dybala & Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Juventus Predicted Team 
Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi, Khedira; Ronaldo, Dybala, Mandzukic

It certainly promises to be a fascinating encounter as Atletico Madrid take on Juventus in the Champions League, as ever you will be able to watch all the action Live & Exclusive with beIN SPORTS.