Point enough for Atlético against Galatasaray
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Article summary
Atlético Madrid may be without Jackson Martínez but need only a point at home to Galatasaray to pip the Turkish visitors, under caretaker coach Cláudio Taffael, to the round of 16.
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Article body
- Atlético need a point to make sure of progress from Group C
- Cláudio Taffarel in caretaker charge of Galatasaray before Mustafa Denizli takes helm
- Galatasaray must win and Taffarel takes realistic but hopeful approach
- Spanish club have lost just one of their 13 fixtures against Turkish sides
- Jackson Martínez out while Fernando Torres has been on 99 Atleti goals for ten games
Possible lineups
Atlético: Oblak; Gámez, Giménez, Godín, Siqueira; Saúl, Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Griezmann, Torres.
Out: Jackson Martínez (ankle)
Doubtful: Juanfran (adductor)
Galatasaray: Muslera; Denayer, Chedjou, Hakan, Olcan; Rodríguez, Bilal, Podolski, Sneijder, Yasin, Umut.
Out: Burak (suspended), Carole (hamstring), Hamit (knee), Selçuk (suspended)
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
Galatasaray have many experienced players. They have a lot of goals in them, although they have also conceded several. They have Turkish spirit and never give up. We need to play well and know what we need to do to get what we want – a victory. Ángel [Correa] is growing up like any other 20-year-old. He started the season scoring and as a starter here and with his national team [Argentina]. All of this is part of his growth as a person and as a footballer. We trust him a lot.
Cláudio Taffarel, Galatasaray interim coach
We come to Madrid knowing the difficulties – we know we will face a great side but we remain hopeful. You can't come here already defeated. We have hope.
We shouldn't think about [the 2-0 loss against Atlético] in Istanbul, just about the game in prospect. Atlético don't just rely on one forward – they have other dangerous players like [Diego] Godín. They have good organisation and a good rhythm, they play as a team. We haven't had contact with Mustafa Denizli but it will be my pleasure if he comes to this match.
Weekend results
Real Betis 0-1 Atlético Madrid (Koke 7)
Simeone's men lifted themselves to second in the Liga thanks to Koke's early winner in Seville. The midfielder was on hand to steer in the rebound after Fernando Torres – still hunting his 100th Atlético goal – had a shot saved by Antonio Adán.
Galatasaray 3-3 Antalyaspor (Yasin Öztekin 9, Podolski 66, Selçuk İnan 90+1; Sezer Badur 64, Eto'o 82pen, Mbilla Etame 90+3)
Cimbom were pegged back three times in their first outing since the departure of coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu. Caretaker Taffarel said: "We didn't play well. We need to find some consistency at home and have most of the possession."
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Atlético: WWDDWW
Galatasaray: DLLWDW
Reporter's view: Joe Walker (@UEFAcomJoeW)
Knowing a draw will be enough to see Atlético through, Simeone will be confident his side can secure their place in the round of 16 with a game to spare. The Argentinian will want to extend the Rojiblancos' impressive record of just two defeats in 25 UEFA club competition matches at the Vicente Calderón – an added incentive for victory will be a straight shoot-out for top spot against Benfica on matchday six.
Did you know?
Galatasaray have drawn both previous away fixtures against Atlético: 0-0 in the 1973/74 European Cup first round and 1-1 in a 2009/10 UEFA Europa League round of 32 tie. Find out more in our extensive match background.