There is some intrigue around the Champions League matchday 4 clash Atlético vs Rostov. The two sides met on matchday 3, and it was predicted that Atlético Madrid would easily dispatch FC Rostov.
But this was not quite the case, as FC Rostov, who had previously been unbeaten in 26 home matches, held their own against the La Liga giants. The Russians weathered great pressure by Atlético when, in the first 45 minutes of the match, Atlético peppered Rostov’s goal.
Then in the second half, they became more active, but it was Atlético that found the net first, as Yannick Ferreira Carrasco scored a close range brace to give the La Liga side the lead after 60 minutes. Rostov later had a chance to equalize the score, but was kept out by Atlético keeper Jan Oblak.
The result meant Atlético’s third 1-0 victory in the UEFA Champions League group stage this season. But, unlike their 1-0 victory against Bayern München on matchday 2, where the Germans took control of much of the match, the Spaniards seemed somewhat confused with their role as the clear favourites of the game.
Rostov, meanwhile, relied on the same tactic that almost won them the Russian Football Premier League title last season. Sit back, hold tight, and go on a quick counter attack when gaining possession.
The biggest problem with this tactic, of course, is that it requires plenty of discipline, as well as superior speed from its attacking players as opposed to the opponents back line. This was not the case for Rostov against Atlético, who have somewhat mastered this tactic for themselves ever since Diego Simeone took over as the head coach of the club in 2011.
Atlético are already qualified for the round of 16, as they topped Group D with 9 points ahead of Bayern München, who are on six points. Atlético, however, cannot afford to slip up, as the Bavarians are expected to win their matchday 4 encounter against PSV Eindhoven.
Rostov, meanwhile, are last in the group with just one point. Furthermore, their one point came at home in a 2-2 draw against Eindhoven, which means that the Dutch are currently holding the tiebreaker.
Before the Champions League season kicked off Futbolgrad predicted that Rostov will likely finish fourth in the group. Although on the one hand, there would be little shame in that result, on the other hand, Rostov have surprised in the past, and as they get more comfortable in the Champions League they could very well snatch the necessary points to finish third, and continue the season in the Europa League.
Futbolgrad’s Prediction: Atlético vs Rostov 3-0
Possible Line-ups
FC Rostov:
Formation: 3-5-2
Dzhanaev – Mevlja, Granat, Navas – Ezatolahi, Erokhin, Noboa, Gatcan, Kalachev – Poloz, Azmoun
Manager: Ivan Daniliants
Atlético Madrid:
Formation: 4-3-3
Oblak – Filipe Luis, Hernández, Savić, Juanfran – Koke, Gabi, Thomas – Correa, Gameiro, Griezmann
Manager: Diego Simeone
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