FC Bayern faces a difficult away match in the Champions League. On Tuesday evening, the Munich team will face Atlético Madrid on the road. The Spanish side is considered a particularly tough opponent, especially at home. Ahead of the match, Atlético player Álex Baena has made it clear that the German record champions must prepare for an intense evening.
At the pre-match press conference, the 25-year-old midfielder expressed great anticipation for the showdown with Bayern. At the same time, he emphasized the stature that the German record champions enjoy in European soccer.
“Bayern is one of the best teams in the world with some outstanding players,” Baena explained. For Atlético, he said, the matchup is therefore a special opportunity to prove their own capabilities.
Baena warns Bayern about Atlético’s home-field advantage
The Madrid side is heading into the match with great confidence. In Baena’s view, the support of their own fans could play a decisive role. “We’re lucky to be playing at home in front of our own fans. Ultimately, it’s difficult for any opponent to pick up points here,” emphasized the Spanish national team player.
Baena is thus making it clear that, despite the quality of the opponent, Atlético is confident in its own strengths.
Under coach Diego Simeone, the Madrid team has built a reputation over the years for being particularly difficult to beat at home. Their intense and physical style of play regularly poses major problems even for top European teams.
For Bayern, the task is likely to be even more challenging because the record champions are currently struggling with significant personnel issues. With Ismael Saibari, Serge Gnabry, Luis Díaz, and Jamal Musiala sidelined, several key offensive players are missing.
“A very exciting challenge”
Despite the home-field advantage, Baena is aware that Munich possesses tremendous individual talent. “I think this is a very exciting challenge for us and a chance to see how far we can go in this Champions League season,” the midfielder explained.
Anticipation within the team is correspondingly high. The prospect of going head-to-head with a top European club, in particular, provides extra motivation. “I think that, given the quality of the opponent and its players, every player is absolutely eager to be part of tomorrow’s game,” said Baena.
There’s also a lot at stake for FC Bayern. After two consecutive draws against Viking Stavanger and Arsenal, the Munich team is looking to get back to winning ways in the Champions League.