Atletico Madrid VS Tottenham Hotspur

Simeone’s only reported absentee is Pablo Barrios, which leaves Atlético close to full strength for a tie in which physical control and disciplined pressing will be central. Atlético are expected to line up in a 4-4-2, with Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth forming a dangerous front pair. Both have scored five Champions League goals this season, but Alvarez’s wider impact stands out even more. He has seven goal involvements in the competition and leads all remaining players in average high-intensity pressures per 90, making him both the attacking reference point and the first line of Atlético’s defensive aggression. Sørloth offers a different threat, particularly in box occupation and aerial duels, and his hat-trick against Club Brugge in the previous round underlined how decisive he can be when Atlético turn territorial dominance into crosses and cut-backs. Behind them, Alex Baena and Giuliano Simeone provide width and direct running, while Koke and Johnny Cardoso are likely to manage rhythm centrally.