Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid Predictions & Tips

Bavarian giants Bayern Munich begin their Champions League title defence on Wednesday in what should prove a tough early test against fellow favourites to quality from Group A, Atletico Madrid, at the Allianz Arena.

Following some fine tuning in the summer market – including the arrival of Leroy Sane and the departure of Thiago Alcantara – Bayern look well equipped to push for honour on multiple fronts again this term, and their return of six wins and 25 goals from their opening seven fixtures in all competitions again highlighted the insane defence-shredding power in the Die Roten ranks.

Defensively, there are still wrinkles to iron out however, and Bayern have kept their opponents out just twice in seven attempts this season so far. However, with the perennially prolific Robert Lewandowski (seven goals in three starts) looking razor sharp, Hansi Flick’s side have the firepower to mask any deficiencies at the other end.

Atletico strengthened by Suarez

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, beaten Champions League quarter finalists last term, have made a solid if unspectacular start to the 2020/21 season in La Liga, winning two and drawing two of their opening four matches in Spain’s top flight.

True to their robust reputation, Atletico conceded just once in their opening quartet of domestic contests, though Los Colchoneros’ run of three clean sheets on the bounce is likely to end against a free-scoring Bayern team in Germany this week.

At the opposite end, the vastly experienced and immensely talented Uruguayan Luis Suarez, signed from Barcelona in the summer, has added some top-class dynamism to Simeone’s frontline, and with the 33-year-old in tow, Atletico should prove dangerous counter-punchers in Bavaria on Wednesday.

Win but no clean sheet for Bayern

With their high-energy football making them a powerhouse of potency, Bayern Munich have been incredibly consistent in 2020, winning 31 of their 33 competitive fixtures overall since January 1^st.

Hansi Flick’s silverware hungry champions won 17 of their last 18 assignments at the Allianz Arena, and Bayern will expect to start their fresh continental assault with a win against Diego Simeone’s stubborn Atletico side this week.

The Bavarians’ sub-par defensive record so far this season cannot be ignored however, and with the hosts conceding chances, an Atletico team spearheaded by streetwise striker Luis Suarez should be able to notch a consolation.

A combination of those factors means that the Bayern win and both teams to score market appeals this week, while our correct score prediction points towards a 2-1 Munich victory.

While Bayern are generally good for high-margin victories, they should find running up a high score against Simeone’s notoriously tough to break down Rojiblancos a little more testing.

Atletico, who conceded two or fewer goals in each of their last nine Champions League outings and in 22 of their last 24 matches in the competition overall since May 2017, are disciplined enough to keep the score down in Munich, though a brace from Bayern should allow them to start their title defence with a win.