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His team traveled to Madrid on Monday as a clear loser. Spectators are not allowed in the pompous Wanda Metropolitano Stadium due to the corona virus. Atlético have lost only one of their last 26 European Cup home games, in September 2017 against Chelsea (1: 2). In eleven of the 13 youngest, the team of coach Diego Simeone did not even have to concede a goal. “It is a difficult task for us, but we are very excited,” emphasized Marsch.
Salzburg failed to beat 2: 2 at home to Lok Moscow in the first round. You want to recover the lost points. “We flew to Madrid to get a result,” Marsch said. “It is true that we have to be smart and aggressive.” Before the departure Monday afternoon, the American inserted a small tactical unit. “The game plan is not that special. I think the guys understand this opponent. “
Red Bull Salzburg flies to Madrid
A gigantic task awaits the subscription soccer champions Salzburg in the Champions League on Tuesday. In the second game of the group stage, the “Toros” will be at Atlético de Madrid.
Best start needed
A better start than against Lok will be crucial. “When you are one or two goals behind against ‘Atleti’ it is always difficult. You defend yourself so well, ”Marsch said. While Salzburg’s strengths lie in high pressure, the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finalists also know how to be low at times.
“We also have to understand the rhythm of the game, when is the time to change, when a little more patience?” Marsch explained his considerations. Stalking the counter a little more is a possibility. The “cops” want to stay true to their style of play. “We have to play our strategy, not what the opponent wants.”
Atlético, the only undefeated team in La Liga, are enormously strong, according to March, in the game against the ball. “They don’t get so many goals. You’re good at changing, even on set pieces. They have a lot of experience in the field ”. There are also outstanding individual players like newcomer Luis Suárez and captain Koke. “The special thing is that the coach convinced all these guys that defending so hard is the best for the team.”
Notable failures should help Salzburg
On offense, the rojiblancos are missing winger Yannick Carrasco along with Diego Costa due to a thigh injury suffered in La Liga against Betis Sevilla (2-0) on Saturday. The use of regular midfielder Saul Niguez, who has been plagued with muscle problems for weeks, is also extremely questionable. “We’re lucky, these three are also exceptional,” Marsch said.
Champions League
Group A, second day
Tuesday, 9 pm:
Atlético de Madrid – Salzburg
Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, SR Hategan (ROU)
Possible configurations:
Athletic: Oblak – Trippier, Savic, Felipe, Lodi – Correa, H. Herrera, Koke, Lemar – M. Llorente, Suarez
Salzburg: Stankovic – Vallci, Ramalho, Wöber, Ulmer – Mwepu, Camara, Junuzovic, Szoboszlai – Berisha, Dhaka
The three-time Europa League winner (2010, 2012, 2018) still has enough quality. The young star of Portugal, Joao Félix, is even threatened with the substitute bench. Marcos Llorente, the 2020 Atlético newcomer, could break in with Suárez. Also, the Slovenian Jan Oblak waits in the back. “Perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world,” Marsch said. “Is not easy”. Simeone has recently rotated less than his counterpart in Salzburg. “Many of the group played a lot. Therefore, an intense game can be an advantage for us during the 90 minutes. “
Hopes rest on Szoboszlai
With the exception of the injured Antoine Bernede, Marsch can make the most of it. Patson Daka’s strike partners are Mergim Berisha and Sekou Koita. Also, hopes rest on midfield star Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian has scored in the previous three European Cup matches since the summer, twice from the penalty spot. Daka has twelve goals in ten competitive games of the season. “I think it will be a very tough fight and we have to fight it together,” said the Zambian.
Atlético has been undefeated in the league for 21 games. In eight games with Austrian teams so far, there have been seven wins and one draw. But Salzburg also defends a series. The policemen received their last defeat so far on March 2, before the coronavirus lockdown, in Altach (2: 3). Surviving undefeated the 24th consecutive competitive game at the Madrid Metropolitan Stadium would be a great success. Marsch: “We need all-around superior performance from everyone.”
Atlético coach: Salzburg “fast team with a clear idea”
For Diego Simeone, a long-time coach at Atlético de Madrid, the “policemen” are a “fast team with an absolutely clear idea.” The Argentine said that Monday night at a press conference. A team that has already performed well, as in autumn 2019/20, is waiting for its squad, which is considered the clear favorite.
“They were able to keep up with Napoli and Liverpool,” said Simeone, praising the front row of attackers: “The two forwards are very fast and work very well on the opposing defense to take advantage of space. “They will try to hurt us, but we will stay in our game,” promised Simeone, who has been at Atlético since 2011 and won a League title (2014) and two Europa League victories (2012 and 2018), as well as two finals of CL (2014 and 2016 against Real Madrid).
