UEFA Champions League 2023-24: Atletico Madrid (ATM) vs Borussia Dortmund (BVB) quarter-finals 1st leg Match Preview

Atletico Madrid will be facing Borussia Dortmund in the all-important UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday. The Los Colchoneros have not had the best season in the LA Liga as they are almost out of the title race contention. But they have played well in the UCL this season, they defeated last season's finalist Inter Milan in the RO16 game and qualified for the last 8 of the tournament. They won the game in the penalty shootout against Nerazzurri. 

Dortmund on the other hand have gained a lot of confidence in the business end of the season. They defeated Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena for the first time after 10 years. Karim Adeyemi and Norwegian wing-back Julian Ryerson were the scorers of the game. Die Schwarzgelben defeated PSV Eindhoven in the RO16 stage and qualified for the final 8 of the toughest European tournament. Both sides have played four games among each other and are equally poised with a result of 2 wins each. 

Diego Simone has been known for his counter-attacking style of play and he can defeat any opponent on his best days and he has proved that over the years. Simone's side will be starting on a high note as they will be playing the 1st leg in front of their home crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano. 

Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Prediction

Antoine Griezmann has been the star since his return from Barcelona. He has been the crucial member of the side and might be the one in the game on Wednesday as well. The French forward has scored 19 goals and provided 7 assists across all competitions for Simone's side. He will be the leading the upfront and provide the strikers with some deadly balls. 

Dortmund's consistency has been a question, however winning against Bayern will give them a lot of confidence. The side's striker Niclas Füllkrug has scored 13 goals and more importantly, assisted 10 for his teammates. He will be eyeing and leading the attack for the side as well. 

Prediction: 2-0 Atletico Madrid 

Injury and Suspension Concern 

Atletico Madrid 

Thomas Lemar, Vitolo, Mario Hermoso

Borussia Dortmund 

Ramy Bensebaini, Donyell Malen 

Probable Playing XI

Atletico Madrid 

Jan Oblak, Stefen Savić, Axel Witsel, Reinildo, Nahuel Molina, Marcus Llorente, Koke, Rodrigo De Paul, Samiel Lino, Antoine  Griezmann, Alvaro Morata

Borussia Dortmund 

Gregor Kobel, Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen, Marcel Sabitzer, Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Jadon Sancho, Niclas Füllkrug, Karim Adeyemi