VfB Stuttgart face a stern test of their UEFA Champions League credentials from La Liga giants Atlético de Madrid on Tuesday.
Stuttgart began the League Phase with back-to-back wins over Viking FK and SK Slovan Bratislava, scoring three goals in each victory.
But Sebastian Hoeness' side saw their momentum checked at the weekend, suffering a frustrating 1-0 Bundesliga defeat away to Hamburg despite dominating the contest and registering 23 shots.
Atleti arrive in Germany in excellent form after extending their winning run to six matches in all competitions.
Diego Simeone's men left it late against Espanyol on Saturday, with Alex Baena scoring an 89th-minute winner in a 1-0 success that kept them second in La Liga.
That followed hot on the heels of an impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United on matchday two.
Stuttgart v Atlético de Madrid Tips Summary
Best Bet - Atlético de Madrid to win @ 11/10
Alternative Bet - Over 2.5 Goals & Both teams to score - Yes @ 8/11
Bet Builder - Alex Baena to Score or Assist, Ermedin Demirovic to Score or Assist & Total Match Goals Between 4-5 Goals @ 35/4
Stuttgart v Atlético de Madrid Prediction
Best Bet - Atlético de Madrid to win @ 11/10
Stuttgart deserve plenty of credit for winning their opening two UEFA Champions League matches, but victories over Viking and S. Bratislava do not compare to the challenge Atleti posed.
Hoeness' side head into this contest after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Hamburg, a result that exposed some of the inconsistencies affecting their Bundesliga campaign.
The Germans created plenty of opportunities but lacked the clinical edge needed to break through before conceding a dramatic late winner.
That issue has been highlighted by the struggles of striker Deniz Undav, who hit the crossbar in Hamburg and has managed only one goal and two assists this season.
As ever, Simeone's side are finding ways to win even when not at their fluent best.
After overpowering Man Utd at home, Atleti showed their resilience again on Saturday when Baena's late strike secured three points against Espanyol.
They have conceded only two goals during a six-game winning run that began just after their matchday one defeat against Liverpool.
This streak has been built while Julian Alvarez tries to rediscover the form that made him a transfer target for Barcelona last summer.
Jonathan David, Giuliano Simeone and Marcos Llorente can all make decisive contributions in the final third, and Atleti have also been scoring goals from midfielders and defenders.
Stuttgart have also struggled historically against Spanish opponents in the UEFA Champions League, failing to win any of their last seven meetings with La Liga clubs in the competition.
With Atleti carrying strong momentum into Germany and already proving themselves against tougher opposition than Stuttgart have faced so far, the visitors look capable of claiming another important European victory.
Alternative Bet - Over 2.5 Goals & Both teams to score - Yes @ 8/11
At least three goals have been scored in six of Stuttgart's nine competitive matches this term while eight of Atleti's last 10 games have also surpassed the two-goal mark.
Hoeness' team are not afraid to push forward in search of goals, which can leave them vulnerable to fast, incisive breaks - the sort Atleti have been showcasing all season.
Both teams should find the back of the net in what could be an open game as Stuttgart seek to prove themselves against high-calibre opposition and Atleti attempt to back up their big win over Man Utd.
Stuttgart v Atlético de Madrid Bet Builder Tip
Alex Baena to Score or Assist
Ermedin Demirovic to Score or Assist
Total Match Goals Between 4-5 Goals
Pays 35/4
Baena is the visitors' top scorer this term with five goals in all competitions. The midfielder has a goal and an assist in his last two outings and looks set to add another contribution on Tuesday.
Add Emerdin Demirovic, the in-form Stuttgart striker and joint-top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, to make his mark too on a night that should be full of goals.
The way the two sides play suggests plenty of chances, with Stuttgart already scoring six across their two League Phase matches.
Atleti rarely concede more than a couple, even on their bad nights, so a range of between four and five goals seems likely.
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Key Match Stats
Atleti have won their last six matches in all competitions
Stuttgart have won their opening two UEFA Champions League games this season, scoring three goals in each
Stuttgart have failed to win their last seven UEFA Champions League matches against Spanish opposition (D2, L5)
Atleti have scored at least two goals in four of their last six victories
Stuttgart generated 23 shots in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Hamburg
Baena has a goal and an assist in his last two games for Atleti
Demirovic is the joint-top scorer in the League Phase with four goals
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
