Atletico Madrid vs Lazio
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday
13th December 2023
Wanda Metropolitano
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Champions League fixture between Atletico Madrid and Lazio.
Atletico Madrid vs Lazio: Preview
Atletico Madrid form analysis
Atlético Madrid have showcased improved form in the Champions League recently, turning around an inconsistent start to go unbeaten in their last three games. They began sluggishly with a last gasp 1-1 draw at home to Lazio and were similarly lackluster despite edging past Feyenoord 3-2. However, an entertaining 2-2 stalemate away at Celtic represented signs of progress as Antoine Griezmann found the net. This momentum carried into the return fixture against the Hoops, producing their best display by demolishing the visitors 6-0 inspired by Griezmann and Álvaro Morata’s clinical finishing.
They ended Group B with another statement victory, comfortably dispatching Feyenoord 3-1 to progress as section winners. Over this period, manager Diego Simeone will be buoyed by his side’s growing confidence in attack, having faltered domestically. Maintaining this European form could help drive an assault on the Champions League crown with the irrepressible Griezmann a pivotal creative fulcrum. However, defensive lapses must still be addressed if Atleti are to progress beyond their recent last 16 exits.
Lazio form analysis
Lazio have experienced mixed fortunes in their recent Champions League campaign, securing crucial wins but also enduring heavy defeats. They started sluggishly with a fortuitous last gasp 1-1 draw at home to Atlético Madrid, spared by a late Ivan Provedel header. A priceless smash and grab 2-1 victory away at Celtic followed courtesy of late goals from Matías Vecino and Pedro. However, familiar defensive issues soon resurfaced during a sobering 3-1 thrashing by Feyenoord as laziness in possession proved costly.
To their credit, Lazio responded admirably by edging past the Dutch side 1-0 in the return fixture inspired by Ciro Immobile’s first half strike. They ended Group F with an efficient 2-0 triumph over Celtic, with Immobile at the double to seal qualification for the last 16. Over this run, manager Maurizio Sarri will be pleased with his team’s resilience but retaining intensity and concentration remains problematic. If Lazio harbor ambitions of a deep run, tightening up their defensive organization must be prioritized. Amid some thrilling attacking displays.
