The International Champions Cup has been another roaring success for many of those clubs that entered, with the possible exception of last season’s winners, Barcelona, who are guaranteed to finish in 18th (bottom) place, PSG who are third from bottom, and Atletico Madrid who split the two.
Diego Simeone’s side at least have the home comforts of the Wanda Metropolitano to play the final match of this season’s competition, and they’ll be hoping the rojiblanco support turn up in their droves to provide an intimidating enough atmosphere to ensure Atleti get the win that will see them finish potentially as high as seventh.
Inter can win the competition outright if they can score four without reply, but whether the Italians are brave enough to play on the front foot against one of the best counterattacking teams in Europe remains to be seen.
Reserve Atleti squad
When all is said and done, the ICC is only a pre-season friendly tournament, designed to get players fit for the forthcoming campaign over and above anything else.
Some players are in dire need of minutes to get match sharpness, although Simeone may not be willing to risk them for fear of picking up an injury.
Just a few days after this fixture, the real business begins, as Atleti take on city rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
With Julen Lopetegui overseeing a transitional Los Blancos, the final represents a genuine opportunity for Atleti to win the first European silverware of the season.
Don't miss our first match of the season at the Wanda @Metropolitano!
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For that, Los Colchoneros will need all of their big guns firing so many are likely to be rested here.
Quiet opening 45
Atleti do love a 1-0, and they make no apology for that. Nor should they, frankly.
It’s a result that has served them well and it would be no surprise if the game ended with that scoreline again.
If any goals are to be scored, the likelihood is that they will come after half-time.
Diego Simeone’s side have played four matches so far in their 2018/19 pre-season, and have scored just one in the first half, and conceded only two.
Home advantage could potentially play a part, but this one might take a while to get going.
Battle of the South Americans
Diego Godin will lead his troops into battle two days after his name was mentioned in connection with a potential move to Manchester United.
Ultimately just a ploy by his agent to get him a new contract at Atleti, the Uruguayan will be part of a formidable pairing with Jose Gimenez, and they’ll look to stop the livewire Argentinian, Mauro Icardi.
The Inter striker will be keen to show everyone in Spain that being left out of his national team for the World Cup was a huge mistake by Jorge Sampaoli.
To that end, he won’t give Godin and Gimenez a moment’s peace, and their battle could be the highlight of this game.
With Real Madrid potentially interested in Icardi’s services too, this gives them a great chance to see him up close – and potentially close a deal while he’s in town.
