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Morata back in Atletico attack as Dortmund start Nmecha

football10 April 2024 18:16| © AFP
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Alvaro Morata © Getty Images

Diego Simeone brings striker Alvaro Morata into the Atletico Madrid side to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, replacing the injured Memphis Depay.

Morata, who started the season in superb form but has faded in recent weeks, joins Antoine Griezmann up top for the first-leg clash at the Civitas Metropolitano stadium in Madrid.

Simeone sprang no surprises with his line-up to face Bundesliga side Dortmund, with a five-man defence protecting Jan Oblak's goal.

Koke captains an Atletico team aiming to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2017.

Edin Terzic's Dortmund stand in their way and the German coach starts with Felix Nmecha in midfield, ahead of Julian Brandt.

Karim Adeyemi plays on the left wing, replacing the unwell Donyell Malen, Dortmund's top goalscorer.

Niclas Fuellkrug leads the line with loanee Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho in support, while Ian Maatsen, on loan from Chelsea, starts at left-back.

Dortmund, who last reached the final four in 2013, when they were beaten in the final by rivals Bayern Munich, also start with skipper Emre Can in midfield after he recovered from sickness.

Line-ups:

Atletico Madrid (5-3-2)

Jan Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Jose Gimenez, Axel Witsel, Cesar Azpilicueta, Samuel Lino; Marcos Llorente, Koke (capt), Rodrigo De Paul; Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata

Coach: Diego Simeone (ARG)

Borussia Dortmund (4-3-3)

Gregor Kobel; Julian Ryerson, Nico Schlotterbeck, Mats Hummels, Ian Maatsen; Emre Can (capt), Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha; Jadon Sancho, Niclas Fuellkrug, Karim Adeyemi

Coach: Edin Terzic (GER)

Referee: Marco Guida (ITA)

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