The Spanish side, led by Diego Simeone, fell short in the first leg despite their dominance in possession. They failed to convert any of their seven shots on target, allowing Inter's Marko Arnautovic to snatch a late winner. Simeone's men have been struggling lately, with only two wins in their last nine matches across all competitions, intensifying the pressure on the coach.
Atletico's hopes of securing a Champions League quarter-final spot are hanging by a thread, especially with their inconsistent form in recent games. They currently sit precariously in fourth place in La Liga, just two points above fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
However, Atletico can draw confidence from their formidable home record at the Wanda Metropolitano, where they have lost only once in their last 32 games across all competitions. They also have a strong history against Italian teams at home, winning seven of their last nine encounters.
On the other hand, Inter Milan arrives in Madrid in high spirits, having won 14 and drawn one of their last 15 matches. Despite resting key players like Lautaro Martinez in their recent Serie A victory over Bologna, Inter remains firmly atop the league table with a significant lead.
Inter will be looking to capitalize on their first-leg advantage and secure their place in the quarter-finals. However, their track record in Spain isn't favorable, having failed to win any of their last 10 visits in the Champions League.
As both teams brace for a crucial encounter, Atletico will be aiming to defy the odds and stage a comeback, while Inter seeks to maintain their momentum and secure progression in the tournament.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Atletico Madrid is optimistic about the return of Antoine Griezmann and Jose Gimenez for the upcoming match, both of whom have been sidelined due to ankle and thigh injuries respectively for the past four games. However, Thomas Lemar, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Vitolo are still out with Achilles and knee injuries.If Gimenez isn't fit to play, either Gabriel Paulista or Stefan Savic is expected to step in at central defense. Nahuel Molina might take Marcos Llorente's place at right wing-back.
The midfield trio of Saul Niguez, Koke, and Rodrigo De Paul is likely to remain unchanged. Alvaro Morata, despite his recent goal drought, may partner with Memphis Depay in attack.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan will miss first-leg hero Arnautovic due to a hamstring injury, along with Carlos Augusto, who suffered a calf tweak in the previous weekend's match. Juan Cuadrado and Stefano Sensi are also sidelined.
Federico Dimarco is expected to replace Augusto at left wing-back, while Benjamin Pavard and Stefan de Vrij might come in for Bisseck and Francesco Acerbi in central defense. Denzel Dumfries could also return at right wing-back, but Matteo Darmian may retain his spot.
In midfield, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are likely starters. Top scorer Lautaro Martinez is set to partner Marcus Thuram upfront, boasting an impressive record of 26 goals in all competitions, including four in his last five appearances.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:Oblak; Molina, Savic, Witsel, Hermoso, Lino; Saul, De Paul, Koke; Depay, Morata
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Atletico 1-2 Inter Milan
Inter has been on a roll, and the momentum is clearly on their side. Despite their historical struggles in Spain, they have key players like Martinez, who returned refreshed from a break over the weekend, ready to lead Inzaghi's squad into the quarter-finals with their firepower.
