UEFA Europa League preview: Atletico Madrid – Aris Thessaloniki
Shaky start for reigning champions
Los Rojiblancos are the reigning Europa League champions but their title defence started on the wrong foot. Quique Sanches Flores’ men were humiliated by Greek minnows Aris on match day one of the competition. Atletico have recovered well
and have gone undefeated in the next three games.
As things stand, Los Indios are second in the group with seven points from the four games played so far, just a single point behind Bayer Leverkusen. However, the reigning champions need to improve manifolds if they are to successfully
defend their title.
Even though Atletico managed to hold on to their stars in the summer transfer period, the club have been unable to break into La Liga top four; Los Rojiblancos have lost to all the big teams in the League. Hence, morale won’t be at the
highest going into this game. However, having said that, the home advantage should count for much as Atletico will be optimistic of bagging the three points.
Greeks hanging by a thread
Aris Thessaloniki were an unknown club across Europe before they inflicted a defeat on the reigning Europa league champions. Nicknamed ‘God of War’, the Greeks made it to the Europa league courtesy of a fifth place finish in Greek Super
League last year. The club from Thessaloniki have frequently appeared in the Europa League (formerly known as the UEFA Cup) but had no success.
Currently, Aris are third in the group with four points – three behind Atletico – from as many games. Should they fail to take points off Rojiblancos tonight, God of War will be sent home packing.
Coach Hector Cuper knows his men are in for a tough night ahead but has stressed that all hope is not lost yet.
“For 48 hours after the Atletico win, the players were still talking about it. We enjoyed it and so did the Aris fans because you never know when something like that will happen again. Whatever lies ahead, we will always have that.
"You have to look at your strong points. Maybe there aren't many, but the strong points there are give you a chance. The thing you have to do before a game is say: 'Why not? Why can't we win?'
"It's just a repeat of the game here except this time we will have 4,000-5,000 fans and Atletico will have 40,000 or so. That is a plus for them but no one can take away our hope,
Key players
Diego Forlan
The Talisman of the club last season, has failed to hit the same heights this time around. Forlan will be eager to make up for a patchy run, particularly on the European stage, and score a handful against the Greek minnows. Should the
World Cup golden ball winner manage to hit the heights of the seasons past, there is no way Aris can take any points off this champion.
Michalis Sifakis
The former Olympiakos custodian is in for a long night. Sifakis will no doubt, be tested by a supremely talented Atletico Madrid outfit. Knowing that a defeat will end any progression hopes, the shot-stopper will have to keep his clean
sheet for his team. A tough ask but one that is not impossible.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid might have been struggling for consistency but they should still make easy for of this Greek challenge. Lighteing doesn’t strike twice and Aris will have to remain content with their earlier scalp. Atletico Madrid to win
4 – 0!
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