Bayern Munich vs. Atlético Madrid: Prediction, TV Channel, Injury News For Champions League Game

Despite already being condemned to a second place finish in its group ahead of its final match on Tuesday, manager Carlo Ancelotti is seeking to kick start Bayern Munich’s Champions League campaign at home to Atlético Madrid.

The German champion had topped its group in each of the last three seasons, but a shock defeat to Russia side Rostov last time out, combined with a loss to Atlético earlier in the campaign, means it is certain to go through to the last 16 as a runner-up. That will mean a meeting with a group winner and potentially an unenviable opponent in the first knockout round.

A three-time Champions League winner, arriving at Bayern after the club suffered three consecutive semifinal defeats, it is hardly the start either Ancelotti or the Bavarians would have wanted or expected. Still, the real business of the Champions League is yet to get underway and the Italian is eager for his team to begin building some momentum in the competition when Atlético visits the Allianz Arena.

“We didn't achieve what we were hoping for [finishing top of the section], but against Atlético we want to put on a good performance,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “Motivation is high because we are playing such a tough opponent. We know we haven't always been at our best this season. From the knockout stages onwards we need to play much better because the standard is higher.”

If Bayern is looking for some comfort then it will find it in the fact that the last time it failed to top its Champions League group it went on to win the competition. Adding extra motivation for Tuesday’s clash, it was Atlético that prevented Bayern from going on to the final last season after a nail-biting semifinal which was only decided on away goals.

For Atlético, too, there is reason not to simply go through the motion. A victory for Diego Simeone’s side would make it just the fifth team to win all six matches in its Champions League group.

Having lost in the final in agonizing circumstances in two of the last three seasons, there appears a clear determination from Atlético to finally get its hands on the trophy this time around. Indeed, it is three finals, three defeats for Atlético, having also lost to Bayern in dramatic fashion in 1974.

There looks set to be even greater focus on the Champions League this time around, given it has slipped nine points off the pace in La Liga. On Saturday, it failed to win for the fourth time in six La Liga matches with a disappointing goalless draw at home to Osasuna.

Certainly, Simeone has stressed that his team won’t be taking its foot off the gas when it travels to Munich.

"I’m excited about this Tuesday’s match,” he said ahead of the game. “The importance of this Tuesday’s match is marked by the importance of the rival. Sometimes, pride counts much more than the points."

As well as injured duo Augusto Fernández and Alessio Cerci, Simeone has opted to leave left-back Filipe Luis and midfielder Tiago in Madrid. Ancelotti, meanwhile, will be without defender Jerome Boateng due to a shoulder injury, while he also said he will field “fresh players.”

Prediction: Much will depend on the lineup the two sides field, with Ancelotti hinting he will make some changes. What shouldn’t change is Atlético’s stubbornness and desire not to get beaten against an opponent it may well find itself coming up against later in the competition. A stalemate may be in store.

Predicted Score: Bayern Munich 1-1 Atlético Madrid

Kickoff Time: 2:45 p.m. EST
TV Channel: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Live Stream: Watch ESPN, Fox Soccer 2Go