Atletico Madrid will hope to open their account for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League when they face Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday night.

Atletico Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt are set for a mouth-watering UEFA Champions League clash at the Metropolitano this Tuesday night, with both sides arriving in the Spanish capital fresh from goal-laden victories in their domestic leagues.

Diego Simeone’s side made headlines across Spain by humiliating arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-2 at the weekend, their biggest derby victory since 1950. What makes the triumph even more remarkable is that Atleti fell behind early before mounting a ferocious comeback. The win handed Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso his first La Liga defeat and restored belief in Atletico’s attacking efficiency, with Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann shining.

However, the Champions League presents a different challenge. Atletico’s campaign began with a painful late defeat at Anfield, where a stoppage-time strike condemned them to a 3-2 loss against Liverpool. To make matters worse, Simeone received a red card following an altercation with a supporter and will not be in the dugout on Tuesday night. The absence of their fiery coach on the touchline could have both tactical and psychological implications.

Eintracht Frankfurt also come into this tie with goals flowing freely. Their 6-4 Bundesliga win over Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend was a rollercoaster, with the Eagles scoring six times in just 47 minutes before nearly surrendering their lead as Gladbach struck back four times.

This was not an isolated case, Dino Toppmoller’s side have been involved in chaotic, high-scoring matches since the start of the campaign. Just a week earlier, they suffered a 4-3 home defeat to Union Berlin, a game that included a penalty and a red card. In Europe, however, they have shown a more ruthless edge.

Eintracht Frankfurt brushed aside Galatasaray 5-1 in their opening Champions League fixture, proving their attacking firepower can translate onto the continental stage. Their challenge now is to balance this offensive verve with defensive resilience, something they have often struggled with in recent weeks.

Atletico Madrid will be desperate to bounce back from their group stage defeat to Liverpool and secure three points at home, especially as this group is shaping up to be highly competitive. Frankfurt, meanwhile, will want to build on their emphatic opening win and cement themselves as serious contenders to progress.

Both teams have shown they can score freely, but while Atletico’s record at the Metropolitano is formidable, Frankfurt’s unpredictability and attacking strength make them dangerous opponents. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid head into this fixture with a mix of positive and concerning news on the squad front. Julian Alvarez, who missed the UEFA Champions League opener against Liverpool with a minor knee strain, is now fit again and set to lead the line.

The Argentine forward has been in blistering form, scoring five goals in his last two La Liga appearances, and he will be aiming to continue his hot streak by finding the back of the net for a third consecutive game across all competitions.

Antoine Griezmann is likely to start this match on the bench despite his experience in Europe. The 34-year-old Frenchman has often been used as an impact substitute in recent weeks, including the Madrid derby against Real Madrid, where he came on in the final eight minutes and still managed to score the fifth goal of the game.

However, Atletico Madrid are not without their injury concerns. Centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez remains sidelined with a thigh problem and is unlikely to recover in time for Tuesday’s clash. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso is out with an ankle injury, while Thiago Almada continues to nurse a muscle issue. These absences deprive Diego Simeone of some key options in defence and midfield, limiting his flexibility for rotation.

Diego Simeone is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, sticking to his trademark balance of defensive resilience and attacking aggression. Slovenian shot-stopper Jan Oblak will guard the goal, providing the usual reliability between the posts. The back four should feature David Hancko at left-back, Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand as the central defensive duo, and Marcos Llorente shifting into the right-back role.

In midfield, Nico Gonzalez is likely to start on the right flank, with captain Koke and Pablo Barrios forming the central pairing to dictate tempo and maintain control in the middle of the pitch. Giuliano Simeone, the coach’s son, is expected to start wide on the left, tasked with linking midfield to attack.

Up front, Julian Alvarez will take one of the striking positions, bringing his sharp movement and goalscoring instincts, while Alexander Sorloth is expected to partner him. The Norwegian forward offers aerial strength and hold-up play, complementing Alvarez’s pace and finishing ability.

This lineup provides a strong blend of experience and energy, with Simeone also able to call on Antoine Griezmann from the bench should the game require a decisive intervention.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko; Gonzalez, Koke, Barrios, Simeone; Alvarez, Sorloth

Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt arrive in Madrid buoyed by recent attacking exploits but with a few selection headaches to contend with. Forward Jonathan Burkardt is the standout figure heading into this clash, having scored in three consecutive competitive matches. The 25-year-old striker was exceptional in Frankfurt’s last Champions League outing against Galatasaray, where he netted a brace and provided an assist in a dominant 5-1 victory. His form makes him the focal point of Dino Toppmoller’s attacking setup.

Robin Koch, typically a defensive leader at the back, also showcased his offensive contribution at the weekend by scoring his first-ever professional brace against Borussia Monchengladbach. His ability to step forward and influence play at both ends of the pitch adds an extra dimension to the Frankfurt setup.

However, the Eagles do have some fitness concerns. Rasmus Kristensen remains sidelined with a muscle injury, leaving a gap in the defensive rotation. The bigger question mark is between the posts: first-choice goalkeeper Kaua Santos has returned from a knee injury but has conceded eight goals in two games, which has raised doubts about his match sharpness. Michael Zetterer, who last featured in the convincing 5-1 win over Galatasaray, could be reinstated to restore stability at the back.

Toppmoller is expected to line his team up in a 4-5-1 formation to ensure midfield compactness while also offering attacking width. Michael Zetterer should start in goal if he is deemed fully fit, supported by a back four of Nathaniel Brown at left-back, Arthur Theate and Robin Koch as the centre-backs, and Nnamdi Collins occupying the right-back role.

In midfield, Ansgar Knauff is likely to operate on the right flank, with teenager Can Uzun playing centrally as a creative presence alongside Ellyes Skhiri, who will anchor the midfield with his defensive discipline. Fares Chaibi is expected to occupy the left side, while Ritsu Doan could be deployed slightly advanced to link midfield with the lone striker.

Jonathan Burkardt will spearhead the attack as the centre-forward, using his pace, pressing ability, and clinical finishing to trouble Atletico’s defensive line. This setup gives Frankfurt the flexibility to transition quickly from defence to attack while also maintaining midfield control.

Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Zetterer; Collins, Koch, Theate, Brown; Knauff, Uzun, Skhiri, Chaibi, Doan; Burkardt

Key Stats

• This will be just the third-ever European meeting between Atletico Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt. Both previous encounters came in the last 16 of the 1975/76 Cup Winners’ Cup, with Frankfurt winning both ties (2-1 away and 1-0 at home).

• The last German side to beat Atletico Madrid away in Europe was Borussia Dortmund back in October 1996 (1-0 in the Champions League). Since then, Atletico are unbeaten in 14 such home matches against German opposition, winning 10 of them and drawing four.

• Atletico Madrid have won their last two Champions League games against German teams, beating both RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 last season. They last recorded three straight European wins over German opponents in 1999, against Borussia Dortmund (twice) and Wolfsburg.

• Eintracht Frankfurt recorded their biggest-ever win in Europe’s top competition when they thrashed Rangers 6-1 in April 1960. Their 5-1 victory over Galatasaray on matchday one this season is their heaviest Champions League win since then. They last won their opening two major European games in 2018/19, a campaign in which they reached the Europa League semi-finals.

• Atletico Madrid have won just one of their last 10 Champions League home matches (L1). Since the start of the 2023/24 season, however, they boast the highest home win percentage in the competition (90%+ minutes played, excluding shootouts).

Player to Watch

Julian Alvarez

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Julian Alvarez has quickly become Atletico Madrid’s most lethal attacking weapon this season, showcasing the clinical edge and relentless energy that made him such a coveted signing. The Argentine striker comes into this clash in red-hot form, having scored five goals across his last two La Liga appearances, including a brace in the 5-2 Madrid derby victory over Real Madrid.

What makes Alvarez so dangerous is his versatility in the final third. He can drop deep to link play, drift wide to stretch defenses, or operate as a traditional poacher inside the box. His intelligent movement creates space for teammates, while his sharp finishing ensures that any half-chance can be converted into a goal. Against a Frankfurt side that has looked vulnerable defensively in high-scoring encounters, Alvarez’s ability to exploit gaps between defenders could prove decisive.

Additionally, the 24-year-old thrives under the lights in big European nights, and with Atletico needing a statement win after their setback against Liverpool, all eyes will be on Alvarez to deliver once again. If he maintains his current form, he could be the difference-maker at the Metropolitano.

Prediction

Atletico Madrid 3-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

This Champions League clash promises goals and drama, given the attacking momentum both sides are carrying. Atletico Madrid are buoyed by their historic 5-2 victory over Real Madrid, which not only boosted confidence but also showcased their attacking depth. Julian Alvarez’s blistering form and the return of Diego Simeone’s trademark intensity at home give the hosts a clear edge.

Eintracht Frankfurt, however, should not be underestimated. Their recent 6-4 Bundesliga win over Borussia Monchengladbach and a 5-1 thrashing of Galatasaray underline their firepower going forward. Jonathan Burkardt and Robin Koch have both stepped up as attacking outlets, but defensive frailties remain a concern, especially when facing Alvarez and Marcus Llorente in full flow.

Atletico Madrid’s strong home record in European competition, winning nine of their last ten Champions League matches at the Metropolitano, combined with Frankfurt’s inconsistency away from home, tilts the balance toward the Spanish giants. Expect goals at both ends, but Simeone’s men should have enough control and efficiency to secure their first group-stage win.