Rostov v Atlético: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Article summary
Ivan Daniliants admits that Rostov are struggling to adjust to playing two games per week but the visit of Atlético has put a spring in the step of his weary players.
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Article body
- Atlético are ten matches undefeated in 2016/17
- Rostov unbeaten in three UEFA home games but awaiting first group win
- Atleti targeting third successive victory in this section
- Spanish side unbeaten in four previous visits to Russia (W2 D2)
- César Navas set to play after attending birth of daughter on Monday
Possible line-ups
Rostov: Dzhanaev; Bayramyan, Mevlja, Navas, Granat, Kudryashov; Gatskan, Noboa, Erokhin; Azmoun, Poloz.
Out: Bukharov (muscular)
Doubtful: Terentyev (muscle), Kalachev (heel)
Atlético: Oblak; Juanfran, Savić, Godín, Filipe Luís; Correa, Gabi, Koke, Carrasco; Torres, Griezmann.
Out: Augusto Fernández (cruciate), Giménez (groin), Moyà (knee), Cerci (knee)
Doubtful: Saúl (ankle)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here
Ivan Daniliants, Rostov coach
Up until this season my players had never played so many matches. They need to get used to playing two games a week. I hope we will be in good shape so we can compete with Atlético. The boys are getting excited. Everyone wants to play.
It's not insignificant when you come up against opponents like Atlético. Atlético are a club that have been there or thereabouts for several seasons now. They have twice reached the Champions League final – and that speaks for itself.
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
It's dangerous to underestimate Rostov. They're very good at the back and quick in attack. When they lose possession, Rostov are very good at getting back behind the ball and aggressive in recovering it. It'll be important for us to keep the initiative.
I have a wide array of talented players at my disposal, and they allow me to define the playing style for a particular match. Yet style alone isn't important, nor is who plays. The most important thing is the result.
Weekend results
Spartak Moskva 1-0 Rostov (Glushakov 53)
Fedor Kudryashov and César Navas were both sent off as Rostov suffered a fourth Russian Premier League loss of the season.
Atlético 7-1 Granada (Carrasco 34 45 61, Gaitán 63 81, Correa 85, Tiago 87; Isaac Cuenca 18)
Yannick Carrasco's first-ever hat-trick helped Atlético rack up their biggest triumph since November 2013. Simeone's men are unbeaten in ten outings this term, winning seven.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Rostov: LWDWLL
Atlético: WWWWDW
Reporter's view: Richard van Poortvliet (@UEFAcomRichVP)
Rostov's UEFA Champions League baptism of fire continues with last season's beaten finalists in town. The Russian team, who have been frustratingly inconsistent domestically this season, showed signs of their attacking prowess in holding PSV three weeks ago. However, Simeone and his staff will have taken note of Rostov's defensive frailties – the hosts have shipped seven goals already in just two group fixtures.
Did you know?
What have Atlético yet to do in four visits to Russia? Find out more in our extensive match background.