Atletico Madrid is determined to secure progression to the next stage of the Champions League, currently occupying 15th place in the standings.
They are just one point away from the 8th spot, which would guarantee a place in the round of 16, and have a five-point lead over the 25th position, which is below the playoff cutoff.
In their first five matches, Atletico experienced losses to Benfica (4-0) and Lille (1-3 at home) but managed to secure wins against Leipzig (2-1), PSG (1-2), and a dominant 6-0 victory over Sparta Prague. In La Liga, they are performing well, sitting 3rd, trailing only Barcelona and Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Slovan Bratislava, considered one of the weaker teams in this competition, has yet to register a point. They are second to last in the group, having suffered defeats to Celtic (5-1), Manchester City (0-4), Girona (2-0), and Dinamo Zagreb (1-4), although they came close to a draw against AC Milan, losing 3-2.
Domestically, they have been dominant in Slovakia, winning the last six consecutive championships and targeting a seventh title this season.
Atletico Madrid will be missing key players, including defenders Le Normand and Molina, as well as midfielder Lemar, who is out with a long-term injury. Forward Julian Alvarez, who netted two goals, including a free kick, in the last Champions League match, is expected to start alongside Sorloth, who has scored five goals and provided two assists in La Liga.
Griezmann, with four goals and four assists in the league, may also feature after his goal as a substitute against Sparta Prague, with Correa, who has two La Liga goals, likely to start as well.
Slovan Bratislava, meanwhile, will be without defender Wimmer and their long-term injured striker. Playmaker Tolic, who provided seven assists in the league but was sent off against AC Milan, will be suspended.
Their star forward Barseghyan, who is the top scorer in the Slovak league with 13 goals and also contributed a goal and an assist in the last Champions League match, remains their key offensive threat. Strelec, who has eight league goals, is also expected to play, with the defense anchored by Georgian captain Kashia.
Prediction
Slovan Bratislava has struggled away from home, losing six of their last eight away matches and conceding 16 goals. In contrast, Atletico Madrid has been in strong form, scoring 20 goals and earning 18 points out of a possible 21 in recent games.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3-1 Slovan Bratislava.
