Atletico Madrid face their first-ever official meeting with VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday, riding high on a six-match winning streak. The Group Stage fixture kicks off at 21:00 local time at the MHP Arena.
Diego Simeone travels to Germany with a side sitting second in LaLiga, having taken 22 points from a possible 27, just five points off the top. The team's record of seven wins, one draw and one loss from nine league games is part of a flawless run of five wins from their last five matches in all competitions. The latest of those wins was a hard-fought 0-1 victory at Espanyol last Saturday 17 October, sealed by an 89th-minute goal from Álex Baena. The forward is the team's top scorer this season with five goals. The red-and-whites have shown defensive solidity, conceding only eight goals in nine league games, while scoring 19 for a +11 goal difference.
Absences and doubts for the clash
The main confirmed absence is centre-back Cristian Romero, who suffered an adductor strain against Espanyol and is expected to be out for 10 to 12 days. Johnny Cardoso is also unavailable due to acute gastroenteritis. Captain Koke continues his recovery from a left hamstring muscle injury. There is positive news, however, with Alexander Sørloth and Pablo Barrios recovered from their respective physical issues and available for selection. Barrios, who scored in the 2-0 win over Manchester United on 13 October, was key in that European victory. "Pablo Barrios was substituted as a precaution in Cornellà," Simeone explained regarding the midfielder's withdrawal in the last match.
For Stuttgart, manager Sebastian Hoeneß faces several absences. The long-term injured are Ameen Al-Dakhil, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Luca Jaquez and Tiago Tomás, while Maximilian Mittelstädt and Nikolas Nartey are doubts with hamstring issues. The German side, 13th in the Bundesliga, arrive following a 0-1 loss to Hamburger SV on Friday. "They have lost three of their last five matches in all competitions," Hoeneß acknowledged about his team's inconsistency.
Context and next fixture
Despite their domestic league struggles, Stuttgart have won their opening two Champions League matches this season, including a 0-3 victory in Bratislava. The only previous meeting between the clubs was a 2018 friendly that ended 1-1, making Tuesday night the first competitive chapter in their history. For Atletico, this match is another step in a promising season before returning to league action to host Deportivo La Coruna, who sit 9th in the table, next Saturday, 24 October. Simeone's side will aim to extend their positive run and stays in the hunt for European glory.
