Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead at the Champions League semi-final first-leg at the Vicente Calderon

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone (Getty)

It’s a big game for...

Robert Lewandowski: He may be part of the most lethal attack left in the Champions League, but Lewandowski has something to prove. No other semi-finalist has scored more goals in Europe than Bayern’s 28 this season, and while the Poland international has contributed massively with eight of those, he has gone seven away matches without finding the back of the net.

In Atletico, Bayern come up against the best defence in the Champions League, having conceded fewer goals than any of their remaining rivals. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak is able to boast 13 clean sheets out of 15 appearances, and if Bayern are to breach Atletico’s defences, they need Lewandowski at his best.


 Robert Lewandowski has scored eight Champions League goals this season (Getty)
 (GETTY IMAGES)

Likely teams...

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Hernandez, Filipe Luis; Saul, Koke, Gabi, Carrasco; Griezmann, Torres.

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Martinez, Alaba, Bernat; Vidal; Costa, Muller, Thiago, Ribery; Lewandowski.

Best stat...

17: This is the 17th time Bayern Munich have reached the European Cup semi-finals. In stark contrast, Atletico have reached the last four on just three previous occasions.

Remember when...

The Cup final needed a replay? Back in 1973/74, Atletico and Bayern met in the European Cup final and could not be separated after both teams scored in extra-time. Who won the penalty shootout? Neither. Back then the final would be replayed two days’ later, but Bayern let their supreme talent shine through as Germany legends Uli Honess and Gerhard Muller each scored twice to seal a resounding 4-0 victory.

Watch the highlights below...

Player to watch...

Antoine Griezmann: The Frenchman has an impressive 20 goals in La Liga this season and six more in continental football. Having been given free reign by Diego Simeone to surge forward when desired, the 25-year-old has forged a strong understanding with a resurgent Fernando Torres and could well prove to be the orchestrator of Bayern’s downfall.


 Antoine Griezmann will lead the Atletico attack 
 (Getty)

Past fixtures...

Bayern Munich 4 (Hoeness 2, Muller 2) Atletico Madrid 0, European Cup final replay, 17 May 1974.

Bayern Munich 1 (Schwarzenbeck) Atletico Madrid 1 (Arogones), European Cup final, 15 May 1974.

Form Guide (last six games)...

Atletico Madrid: WWWWWL

Bayern Munich: WWWDWW

Odds...

Atletico Madrid: 21/10

Bayern Munich: 8/5

Draw: 85/40

(Odds provided by BetVictor)

Vital information...

Kick-off: Wednesday 27 April at 19.45.

TV: Live on BT Sport Europe at 19.00. highlights on ITV on Wednesday 27 April at 22.40.