Atletico Madrid will be confident of continuing their perfect start in the Champions League this season when they travel to Austria Wien in Tuesday.
The Spanish side saw their 100 percent record in La Liga come to a crashing end on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Espanyol, but Diego Simeone and co. will be confident of making it three wins out of three with victory over Austria Wien.
"It will be a difficult test against a team who are well-drilled," Simeone said. "They also have some outstanding individual players in Stankovic and [Florian] Mader. They have a solid defence and will be tough to break down. We can't afford to underestimate them.
"I know Nenad Bjelica very well from his time at Albacete. He is a good coach and has my respect. I'm sure he'll prepare his team in the correct manner."
Austria Wien manager Bjelica believes defence will be the key towards his side coming away with anything against Atletico.
"Atletico are a top team with great players," he said. "They have a great coach, one of the best in the world. I expect Atletico to play their typical 4-4-2 formation. Our midfield and defence need to get close to the likes of Diego Costa and David Villa. If they get enough space, they are very dangerous and can decide the game by themselves.
"Our defensive display will be the key to success. We have to take the positives from the first two games and improve on where we've fallen short. I want to see a determined, aggressive, disciplined and well-organised Austria side and players fighting for the result, for their club. I am really looking forward to the game. We are playing the best team in the group, but we have the confidence to do well."
Team News: Alexander Grunwald, Marko Stankovic and Alexander Gorgon are sidelined for Austria Wien, while Thomas Murg and Tomas Jun are expected to feature.
Atletico will be without Leo Baptistao, while Diego Costa is expected to return after serving a two-match suspension.
Key men: Austria Wien: Their entire defence, like the manager said, will need to play out of their skins to stop the likes of Costa and David Villa from scoring.
Atletico Madrid: Costa, with ten goals already this season, will be raring to go in the Champions League after missing the first two games.
Where to watch
The match is set for a 12.15 p.m. IST start on Wednesday morning with no live telecast scheduled.
Expected lineups: Austria Wien: Lindner; Koch, Rogulj, Ortlechner, Suttner; Holland; Royer, Mader, Simkovic, Leovac; Hosiner.
Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Alderweireld, Godin, Filipe Luis; Koke, Gabi, Mario Suarez, Turan; Costa, Villa.
Prediction: 3-0 to Atletico Madrid
