The 2020/21 UEFA Champions League group stages continue this week with the third round of fixtures. On Tuesday the 3rd of November we have an intriguing contest between Lokomotiv Moscow and Atletico Madrid in Group A.
The hosts begin the match in third place with 1 point while visitors are in second place on 3 points.
✈️🌍 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿. 🇷🇺 Moscú🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti⚽ #LokomotivAtleti | ⭐ #UCL pic.twitter.com/Y6o75rUZk6— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) November 1, 2020
✈️🌍 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿. 🇷🇺 Moscú🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti⚽ #LokomotivAtleti | ⭐ #UCL pic.twitter.com/Y6o75rUZk6
Lokomotiv Moscow come into the game having lost 2-1 at Sochi in the Russian Premier League on the weekend. That result means they have failed to win any of their last 4 games in all competitions, including 3 straight defeats.
One of those defeats came at home in their previous Champions League match against defending champions, Bayern Munich. However, Lokomotiv Moscow gave a good account of themselves in that match and will be disappointed to have lost 2-1 having scored an equaliser in the 70th minute.
Their previous Champions League game was away at RB Salzburg and Lokomotiv Moscow came away with a point thanks to a 2-2 draw. Having taken the lead in the first half, Lokomotiv Moscow found themselves 2-1 down after 50 minutes but managed to score an equaliser with 20 minutes remaining on the clock.
Trends show Lokomotiv Moscow have failed to win any of their last 7 Champions League matches. That run includes 6 defeats, including one at home against Atletico Madrid last season. Lokomotiv Moscow have conceded exactly 2 goals in each of their last 4 home Champions League games.
Atletico Madrid travel to Russia having defeated Osasuna 3-1 away from home in La Liga on the weekend. That result leaves them just 2 points behind the leaders with a game in hand and it was their third straight victory in all competitions. Previous victories came at home against Real Betis in La Liga and RB Salzburg in the Champions League.
The victory over RB Salzburg was hard fought and Atletico Madrid found themselves 2-1 down after 47 minutes. A strong performance in the second half saw two goals from João Félix, with the winner coming in the 85th minute. It was a vital win for Atletico Madrid who had lost their first game in this group 4-0 at Bayern Munich.
Trends show Atletico Madrid have won only one of their last 5 away Champions League games. They have lost each of the other 4 matches and have seen over 2.5 goals in each of their last 3 on the road.
Team news and Lokomotiv Moscow are without Dmitri Barinov due to a knee injury while Mikhail Lysov is a doubt. Every other player should be fit and available.
Atletico Madrid travel without injured trio Diego Costa, Sime Vrsaljko, and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco. They also have doubts over the fitness of midfielder Saul Niguez.
Atletico Madrid know if they win this game it puts them in a strong position for the remainder of the group. The visitors could score 2 or more goals on their way to victory.