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In an enticing, high-profile clash, Bayern Munich begin their 2020-21 UEFA Chamions League title defence at home against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
In four previous meetings in the competition between the two sides, all happening in 2016, each team emerged victorious at home.
A lot has changed since then. The Bavarians won the continental treble last season, winning their first Champions League title in seven years, while the Rojiblancos haven't progressed beyond the quarter-finals in the competition since 2017.
The latest clash between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid promises to be a very interesting one as both teams feature a slew of attacking talent in their rosters
Ahead of the much-awaited game, let's delve into five key battles to watch out for.
#1 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) vs Koke (Atletico Madrid)
With both sides featuring attacking options aplenty, the game's outcome could be decided in midfield. One of these key duels would be the one between Koke and Joshua Kimmich, who are the two midfield orchestrators for their respective sides.
While Kimmich has evolved into a fine midfield personnel and possesses excellent ball-winning prowess, Koke excels in creating attacking opportunities and keeping his side ticking with incisive passes. The one who is able to operate with greater control and dominance could see their side on the front foot in the game.
#2 David Alaba (Bayern Munich) vs Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid)
In his first Champions League game for Atletico Madrid, Luis Suarez will be hoping for a better result against the same opposition that humiliated Barcelona 8-2 in the quarter-finals last season.
The striker was on target on that ill-fated night but was a mere footnote in a historic and resounding win for the eventual champions. Revenge could be on Suarez's mind as El Pistolero will fancy scoring again against Bayern.
Standing in his way, however, will be the versatile David Alaba who has transformed into a stoic centre-back under Hansi Flick and has excellent positioning and leadership qualities.
Containing someone of Suarez's pedigree is a hard enough task, so Alaba's experience and big-game pedigree could be crucial in this enticing duel on Wednesday.
#3 Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) vs Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
In a game of high stakes, full-backs often assume an important role. In that regard, the threat of Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies cannot be stated enough.
Davies, the breakout star of last season and Bayern Munich's very own Road Runner, made waves with his explosive pace and nimble footwork last season, adding a new dimension to his side's already frightening attack.
However, he'll come up against Kieran Trippier on Wednesday in what could be another enticing duel on the night.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur full-back has slotted in seamlessly at Atletico Madrid since joining the club last summer, but Davies is unlike anything he may have come up against before.
#2 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) vs Lucas Torreira (Atletico Madrid)
Bayern Munich may be packed to the rafters with goalscoring talent, but Thomas Muller remains the side's beating heart. His creativity, vision and ability to run into pockets of space are unmatched anywhere in Europe, and keeping him in check could be a task of a very tall order for Atletico Madrid.
Lucas Torreira, who joined the Rojiblancos on loan from Arsenal, will be handed a baptism of fire on his Champions League debut.
His first game at the weekend was received positively. The Uruguayan played the full 90 minutes and made some good passes and key interceptions. However, he will need more of that at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday if he is to pull off the Herculean task of keeping the Raumdeuter quiet as the latter's swift movements and incisive passes could be a thorn for Atletico all night.
#1 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) vs Stefan Savic (Atletico Madrid)
Bayern Munich's single biggest threat, Robert Lewandowski, has had a phenomenal year so far and isn't showing signs of letting up any time soon.
He's struck seven times in the new campaign already, a tally that includes an amazing four-goal salvo against Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga, so Atletico Madrid have been suitably warned.
The sturdy centre-back pairing of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez is history for Atletico, with Stefan Savic and Felipe Luis now the new anchormen of the Rojiblanco defence.
Even though the pair has done well in the 2020-21 season so far, conceding just one goal, the Pole could present an entirely different challenge as he thrives on any space or time allowed on the ball.
In other words, containing the rampaging Bayern Munich marksman could be Savic and Felipe's ultimate test.
