Bundesliga
Why Frankfurt will beat Atleti
Eintracht Frankfurt put the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League field on notice with a crushing win over Galatasaray a fortnight ago, upcoming opponents Atlético Madrid very much included.
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Atlético away is traditionally one of the toughest fixtures in European football, but Dino Toppmöller's Frankfurt will be quietly confident they can get a result at the Metropolitano.
The Eagles soared back from an early goal down to thrash reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray 5-1 on Matchday 1, roared on by some of the most passionate fans in the business.
Three different scorers, as well as a couple of own goals did the job, with life after Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitiké proving pretty rosy indeed for last season's third-placed Bundesliga club.
Frankfurt are in the top-four hunt again at the start of 2025/26, thanks in no small part to a goals tally of 17 goals, a total bettered only by defending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich after five games.
Young Can Uzun has scored five times, three more than Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and Ritsu Dōan, while Germany's Jonathan Burkardt - a summer signing from Mainz - has scored in his previous three in all competitions.
Needless to say, a not-so-steely Atléti defence that's shipped 12 goals in eight competitive games already this term is going to have a real job keeping Frankfurt's sparkling new collection of goal-brokers quiet.
Watch: Frankfurt's new-look forward line
Frankfurt's penchant for big European nights also stands them in good stead.
Eintracht won the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League without losing, famously taking down the likes of Barcelona - winning the second leg in Spain - and West Ham United before downing Rangers on penalties in the final.
The Eagles enjoyed a run to the Champions League last 16 the following season, over 60 years after losing in the final to Real Madrid in the competition's previous guise.
Some 30,000 Frankfurt fans rocked up at Barcelona's Camp Nou a few seasons ago, testament to their undying love for the Hessen outfit.
There won't be quite as many in Madrid - at least not in the stadium on matchday - but it certainly won't feel like your average home game for Diego Simeone's charges.
If all goes to plan, the Eintracht faithful will be painting Madrid black, white and red long after the full-time whistle.