Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Match Preview
A heavyweight European clash takes center stage at the Metropolitano this Wednesday as Atlético Madrid host Inter Milan.1 This fixture is a collision of contrasting fortunes in the Champions League League Phase. Diego Simeone’s Atleti are fighting for stability, sitting 17th with 6 points, while Cristian Chivu’s Inter are flying high in 3rd place with a perfect record of 4 wins from 4.2
However, momentum tells a different story. Atlético arrive fresh off a gritty 1-0 win over Getafe, extending their winning streak to five matches.3 Inter, conversely, are licking their wounds after a painful 0-1 Derby della Madonnina loss to AC Milan.4 With Simeone facing his former club and Chivu looking to prove his managerial pedigree on the biggest stage, this match promises tactical discipline, fiery intensity, and world-class quality.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Atlético Madrid vs Inter Milan5
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (League Phase – Matchday 5)6
- Venue: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid (Capacity: 70,692)7
- Date: Wednesday, 26 November 20258
- Kickoff Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 01:30 IST (Thursday)
- Referee: François Letexier (France)
- TV Channel (UK): TNT Sports 1
- TV Channel (USA): Paramount+, CBS Sports
- TV Channel (India): Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, JioTV
- Live Stream: Paramount+ (USA), SonyLIV (India)
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
Atlético Madrid:
- Position: 17th in Champions League (6 Points).9
- Form: Resurgent. After a shaky start, they have reeled off 5 consecutive wins in all competitions, including a 3-1 win over Royale Union SG in Europe and a 1-0 victory against Getafe.
- Current Challenge: Climbing the table. Sitting 17th puts them in the playoff zone, but Simeone wants to push for the top 8 automatic spots.
Inter:
- Position: 3rd in Champions League (12 Points).10
- Form: Strong but dented. They were unbeaten in Europe (scoring 11 goals), but the 0-1 loss to AC Milan in the derby was a reality check for Chivu’s side.11
- Current Challenge: Bouncing back immediately. Chivu needs to ensure the derby hangover doesn’t ruin their perfect European record.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — What’s at Stake
For Atlético Madrid:
- Statement of Intent: Beating one of the tournament’s form teams (Inter) would prove Atleti are genuine contenders again. A win takes them to 9 points, vastly improving their knockout chances.
For Inter:
- Top Spot Pursuit: A win would move them to 15 points, virtually guaranteeing a top-8 finish and likely keeping them in the race for the #1 seed.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Team Form
Atlético Madrid (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Getafe (1-0)12
- W vs Levante (3-1)13
- W vs Royale Union SG (3-1 – CL)14
- W vs Sevilla (3-0)15
- W vs Real Betis (2-0)16
Inter (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs AC Milan (0-1)17
- W vs Lazio (2-0)18
- W vs Kairat Almaty (2-1 – CL)
- W vs Verona (2-1)19
- W vs Fiorentina (3-0)20
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Team News
Atlético Madrid:
- Marcos Llorente: Doubtful (Hamstring Injury – Injured early vs Getafe).21
- Robin Le Normand: Out (Knee Injury – Out until December).22
- Jan Oblak: Listed in predicted lineups, but missed the Getafe game with a knock.23 Juan Musso is on standby if the Slovenian isn’t 100%.24
- Julián Álvarez: Expected to lead the line alongside Griezmann, looking to add to his goal tally.25
Inter:
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Out (Thigh Injury – Big loss for midfield control).
- Denzel Dumfries: Out (Muscle Injury – Mid-December return).26
- Matteo Darmian: Out (Muscle Injury).
- Raffaele Di Gennaro: Doubtful (Broken Hand).
- Lautaro Martínez: Subbed off early in the derby but Chivu confirmed it was tactical.27 He is fit to start.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Head to Head
- 10 Oct 2025: Atlético Madrid 1–1 (4-2 pens) Inter (Friendly)28
- 14 Mar 2024: Atlético Madrid 2–1 Inter (CL – Atleti won on pens)
- 21 Feb 2024: Inter 1–0 Atlético Madrid (CL)
- 12 Aug 2018: Atlético Madrid 0–1 Inter (ICC)
- 28 Aug 2010: Inter 0–2 Atlético Madrid (Super Cup)
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Predicted Lineups
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2):
Simeone sticks to his hybrid 4-4-2/5-3-2. Giuliano Simeone could start on the right if Llorente misses out.
- GK: Jan Oblak (or Juan Musso)29
- RB: Nahuel Molina30
- CB: José María Giménez (C)31
- CB: Dávid Hancko32
- LB: Matteo Ruggeri33
- RM: Giuliano Simeone
- CM: Pablo Barrios34
- CM: Koke35
- LM: Álex Baena36
- ST: Antoine Griezmann37
- ST: Julián Álvarez38
Inter (3-5-2):
Chivu relies on his trusted back three.39 Bisseck steps in for the injured Pavard/Darmian options.
- GK: Yann Sommer
- CB: Yann Aurel Bisseck
- CB: Stefan de Vrij40
- CB: Carlos Augusto (Playing as LCB or LWB depending on Dimarco’s role)
- RWB: Manuel Akanji (Filling in at RB/RWB role due to injuries)
- CM: Davide Frattesi
- CM: Nicolò Barella41
- CM: Piotr Zieliński
- LWB: Federico Dimarco42
- ST: Francesco Pio Esposito43
- ST: Lautaro Martínez (C)44
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Impact Bench Options
Atlético Madrid:
- Alexander Sørloth: The towering Norwegian offers a completely different threat if Atleti need to go long in the final 20 minutes.
- Rodrigo Riquelme: Adds pace and direct dribbling if the game opens up.
Inter:
- Marcus Thuram: Surprisingly listed on the bench in favor of Esposito? If so, he is a world-class impact sub who can destroy tired defenses.
- Mehdi Taremi: A chaotic presence in the box who wins crucial headers.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Tactical Outlook
Atlético Madrid:
- Playing Style: Controlled Aggression. At the Metropolitano, Simeone demands intensity. They will press Inter’s back three to disrupt the build-up, with Griezmann dropping deep to link play.45
- Weakness: Right Flank Defense. With Llorente doubtful and Molina attacking, the space behind them is perfect for Federico Dimarco to exploit.
Inter:
- Playing Style: Vertical Possession. Chivu has evolved Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 into a slightly more direct system. They will look to bypass Atletico’s midfield press with quick transitions through Barella and Frattesi.
- Strength: Midfield Runners. Even without Mkhitaryan, the runs of Frattesi into the box are a nightmare for defenders.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Nahuel Molina vs. Federico Dimarco | Wing-Back War: Both love to attack. Dimarco is currently one of the best in the world; Molina must force him back or risk being pinned. | Inter |
| Koke vs. Nicolò Barella | Captain’s Clash: Koke controls the tempo; Barella brings the chaos. Barella’s energy might be too much for the veteran Koke over 90 mins. | Inter |
| José Giménez vs. Lautaro Martínez | South American Duel: A physical battle. Giménez won’t give Lautaro an inch. Expect fouls, cards, and intense duels. | Tie |
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Spotlight Players
Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid):
“La Araña” faces his national team strike partner. His work rate is key to Simeone’s pressing system. He needs to drag Inter’s center-backs wide to create space for Griezmann.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter):
The Inter captain was quiet in the derby. He thrives on big European nights. His link-up play with Esposito/Thuram will determine if Inter can break down Atleti’s stubborn block.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Fan Reactions
Atlético Fans:
“We knocked them out last time, we can do it again! The Metropolitano will be boiling.”
“Griezmann masterclass incoming. Inter aren’t ready for our intensity.”
Inter Fans:
“Chivu better not mess this up. We need a reaction after the Milan loss.”
“Esposito starting over Thuram? That’s a bold call in a Champions League game.”
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Where to Watch
- UK: TNT Sports 1
- USA: Paramount+
- India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV
- Italy: Sky Italia
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Match-Defining Factors
- The “Chivu” Response: This is Chivu’s first massive European test after a defeat. Can he motivate the squad, or will heads drop?
- Home Advantage: Atlético are a different beast at home. Inter’s perfect record hasn’t been tested in an atmosphere like this yet.
- Injury Impact: No Mkhitaryan for Inter and potentially no Llorente for Atleti changes the dynamic of the midfield battle significantly.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Prediction
Score Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1–1 Inter
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Draw.
- Total Goals: Under 2.5 Goals (Two tactically disciplined teams).
- Card Count: Over 5.5 Cards (Simeone vs Chivu + H2H history = Cards).
Analysis: Inter are technically superior, but Atlético’s momentum and home advantage level the playing field. Chivu will be desperate not to lose two big games in a row, likely leading to a cautious approach. Simeone will respect Inter’s counter-attack. A tight, tactical stalemate is the most likely result.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — Final Word
It’s a rematch of that dramatic penalty shootout tie. Atlético Madrid are surging, while Inter are stumbling for the first time this season. In the cauldron of the Metropolitano, expect a battle of wills rather than a goal-fest. Both teams might ultimately settle for a point that keeps their respective European campaigns on track.
Atlético Madrid vs Inter — FAQs
When is the Atlético Madrid vs Inter match?
The match kicks off on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at 21:00 CET (Thursday 01:30 IST).46
Is Marcos Llorente playing?
He is listed as Doubtful with a hamstring injury sustained in the weekend game against Getafe.
Who is the Inter coach?
Cristian Chivu is the manager of Inter Milan for the 2025/26 season.47
Where can I watch the match in India?
You can watch live on Sony Sports Network and stream on SonyLIV.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Can Chivu bounce back, or will Simeone reign supreme at home? Drop your score predictions below!
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