Following their eliminations by eventual finalists in the previous Champions League campaign, Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig are set to kick off their latest efforts as they face off at the Estádio Cívitas Metropolitano on Thursday.
Both Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig have maintained unbeaten records so far this season, aiming to make an impact in this year's competition.
Team news
Pablo Barrios has withdrawn from the Spain U21 squad due to a muscle injury, ruling him out until October. He joins Reinildo and long-term absentee Borja Garces on the sidelines for Atletico Madrid.
Xaver Schlager will be sidelined for RB Leipzig until at least the new year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while fellow midfielder Assan Ouedraogo is also out with a knee injury.
The stats
RB Leipzig have not been defeated in their first four competitive matches this season.
Atletico Madrid has dropped points in two out of their five games this season.
In the only previous encounter between these two teams in 2020, RB Leipzig secured a 2-1 victory.
RB Leipzig has only faced defeats in their last 15 Champions League games against Real Madrid or Manchester City.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid were eliminated by finalists Borussia Dortmund in last season's Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-4 aggregate score. Despite their promising start to this season, they might face a tough challenge in the 2024-25 opener.
RB Leipzig, also defeated finalists last season, have won three and drawn one of their four matches this season, including a victory over Bayer Leverkusen in August, ending the home team's long unbeaten streak at home.
The visitors have lost five of their last 15 Champions League matches, all against strong opponents such as Manchester City and Real Madrid. They have managed to avoid defeat in three of their eight encounters with these teams over the past two years.
Atletico Madrid, boosted by significant signings in the summer, recently clinched a 3-0 victory over Valencia. However, they have only won three out of their five matches this season and struggled in the Champions League last season.
RB Leipzig's previous victory over Atletico Madrid in August 2020 indicates that the German side will provide a formidable challenge in Madrid.