News
TUE 06.12.2016
It's the final round of fixtures in the Champions League group stage, and there's still much to be decided over the next 90 minutes. The Spanish clubs participating in the competition are aiming to ensure that LaLiga Santander has a full representation in the round of 16.
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are the first LaLiga sides to feature this matchday, and both clubs find themselves in similar situations. The Catalan outfit, who have already won their group, host Borussia Monchengladbach this Tuesday evening. After three consecutive draws in the league and Copa del Rey fixtures, Los Azulgranas will be looking to lift their spirits, give their fans something to cheer about and get back to winning ways. "A victory would help to clear the cloud looming over the team, but my general approach won't change, regardless of the result," boss Luis Enrique told the press ahead of the encounter.
Atletico head to Bavaria to face Bayern Munich, and like Barcelona, are seeking to improve morale after a disappointing draw against RCD Espanyol in the league last Saturday. The Allianz Arena is a ground Los Rojiblancos remember fondly, as it's where they sealed their passage to last season's Champions League final. This time around it will be the scene of their final group-stage game and the Madrilenians will be looking to end this round on a high."Sometimes pride is more important than points," stated Diego Simeone in his pre-match press conference.
Wednesday sees Real Madrid and Sevilla FC enter the fray and both sides have much to play for this matchday. Zinedine Zidane's charges go up against Borussia Dortmund, something of a familiar face for Madrid in recent years in this competition. Los Blancos are aiming to secure top spot in their group and extend their incredible 33-game unbeaten run, and this will be made easier by the absence of Dortmund playmaker Mario Gotze, who misses out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Sevilla travel to Lyon knowing that if they fail to return to Andalusia with all three points, their Champions League adventure will be over. Although Franco Vazquez is suspended for the match, Jorge Sampaoli's side are boosted by the returns of Samir Nasri and Sergio Escudero.
© LALIGA - 2016