Eintracht Frankfurt will head into Tuesday night’s clash with Atlético Madrid riding high after their thunderous 5-1 win over Galatasaray, a result that sent shockwaves across Europe. It was a statement performance from the German side, who responded to an early scare by completely tearing their opponents apart. Jonathan Burkardt grabbed two fine goals, while 19-year-old Can Yilmaz Uzun added his name to history as the second-youngest Turkish player to ever score in the UEFA Champions League.
Softfootball understands that the victory shot Frankfurt to the top of their group, but this time, the test looks far sterner. Facing Diego Simeone’s Atlético at the Metropolitano is like stepping into a storm fierce, disciplined, and unforgiving. Los Colchoneros are unbeaten in nine of their last ten Champions League home games, and just days ago, they humiliated Real Madrid 5-2 in a fiery city derby. Confidence couldn’t be higher in Simeone’s camp.
Atletico Madrid posted reactions of the players after the win on their official X account.
Watch the video below:
For Frankfurt, it’s been a strange mix lately: brilliant going forward but oddly shaky at the back. In the Bundesliga over the weekend, they raced into a stunning 6-0 lead against Borussia Mönchengladbach only to concede four late goals and almost blow it. It was entertaining, sure, but it raised eyebrows about their concentration. Against Atlético, such lapses could be fatal, and with the form of Julián Álvarez, a mistake is unforgivable. Remember that before the brace against Real Madrid, the Argentine scored a hat trick against Rayo Vallecano.
Team News
Atlético remain without José María Giménez, who’s still recovering from injury. Antoine Griezmann is expected to start this time after coming off the bench to score in that wild Madrid derby. His link-up with Álvaro Morata has been sharp lately a big plus for Simeone’s side.
Frankfurt, on the other hand, will again miss Rasmus Kristensen, but there’s good news: Robin Koch continues his hot streak after netting twice last weekend. The German defender has quietly become a big presence at both ends of the pitch.
Possible Lineups
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Hancko, Lenglet, Le Normand, Llorente; Gonzalez, Koke, Barrios, Simeone; Alvarez, Sorloth
Eintracht Frankfurt (3-4-2-1): Zetterer; Brown, Theate, Koch, Collins; Knauff, Uzun, Skhiri, Chaibi, Doan; Burkardt
Softfootball’s Prediction
Atlético’s home form makes them clear favourites, but Frankfurt have that unpredictable edge they can blow hot and cold in the same half. If Burkardt and Marmoush find space, this could be tighter than expected. Still, the Metropolitano factor might just tip the scales.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 3-2 Eintracht Frankfurt
A thriller in Spain expect goals, grit, and maybe a few wild moments that could swing either way.
