Atlético v Rostov: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Monday, October 31, 2016
Article summary
Rostov boss Ivan Daniliants says his players should just go out and enjoy themselves in Madrid – but Diego Simeone dismisses the notion that Atlético will have it easy.
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Article body
- If Atlético win they are through; Rostov could be out if they draw or lose
- Atlético are one of three sides with 100% record so far
- Rostov have lost seven of their last 12 matches in all competitions
- Jan Oblak has kept ten clean sheets in 16 games this season
- Spanish team won 1-0 when these clubs met two weeks ago
Possible line-ups
Atlético: Oblak; Juanfran, Godín, Savić, Luís; Ñíguez, Gabi, Koke, Carrasco; Griezmann, Torres.
Out: Fernández (knee), Gaitán (hip), Moyà (knee), Cerci (knee)
Doubtful: Gameiro (knee)
Rostov: Dzhanaev; Kireev, Navas, Granat, Mevlja, Kudryashov; Erokhin, Noboa, Gatskan, Poloz; Azmoun.
Out: Bukharov (muscular)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
We remember Rostov as a compact side. Their results have been tight, whether positive or negative. That's their strength. As we saw at their place they have their ideas, they make the most of their strengths, and this is sure to be similar to the game in Rostov.
We will need to come out with speed and intensity. We are up against a team that will show that they're compact, hard to break down. And they created chances in the first game.
Ivan Daniliants, Rostov coach
It was difficult against Atlético Madrid last time out. They're a very tough side and although they only won 1-0 they made a lot of chances. They're a higher level than we're used to playing. It will be a very difficult game for us.
The priority is always the players' attitude. While we've rotated and changed things over the past two weeks, that won't affect things. The most important thing is that the players enjoy the game and do their best.
Weekend results
Atlético 4-2 Málaga (Carrasco 7 86, Gameiro 24 44; Sandro Ramírez 31, Camacho 64)
Simeone's men prospered despite Stefan Savić's 60th-minute dismissal. Yannick Carrasco has scored six in his last four games, while Kevin Gameiro upped his Liga season haul to five goals.
Amkar 1-0 Rostov (Kostyukov 44)
Mikhail Kostyukov's near-post header just before the break extended Rostov's winless run to four matches (D1 L3). They have not scored a single goal during that unhappy spell.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Atlético: WLWWWW
Rostov: LDLLWD
Reporter's view: Joe Walker (@UEFAcomJoeW)
One of just three sides in this season's competition with a 100% record, Simeone's team will fancy their chances of sealing a knockout phase berth in front of their own fans. With the hosts having lost only twice in their last 31 UEFA club competition games and with Carrasco in such fine fettle, it is hard to look past the Rojiblancos for this one.
Did you know?
Simeone and Co need one more win to equal their best start to a UEFA Champions League campaign, recorded in 2013/14. Find out more in our extensive match background.