Bayern injury crisis hands Atlético a golden opportunity

Alberto Pérez admits Bayern are still a formidable side, but their thin bench invites Atleti to make it a long game. Olise is the big doubt, and victory is all but essential for a top-eight finish.

Although Rubén Uría insists Bayern still have a formidable side, Alberto Pérez acknowledges that the German club's absences are very good news for Atlético. Both things are true, he says: they remain a great team, but Atleti have a great opportunity.

The key, in his view, is that Bayern will not have a deep bench. That is why Atleti can make it a long game and try to ensure that the Germans' starting line-up does not do too much damage.

His big question mark is Olise. He is travelling, but Pérez wants to see in what condition, because with a player carrying a knock three days before a match, you cannot be sure he will be at 100 per cent, and he considers him Bayern's most decisive footballer.

He concludes that Simeone will not allow any complacency and that, given the state of the table, Atleti cannot afford to lose: a win keeps the top-eight hopes alive; anything else would make it very difficult.