Rodrigo de Paul is set to start in midfield against Lille. | Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images

Matchday three of the UCL league phase. After suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Benfica in matchday two, Atlético de Madrid are hoping to turn the page and really kick its Champions League campaign into high gear against French side Lille on Wednesday night.
Atlético Madrid returned from the international break with a comeback win over Leganés on Sunday afternoon ? but the 3-1 victory came at a cost. Star midfielder Pablo Barrios suffered a heel injury that will keep him out for 10 more days, while defender Clément Lenglet has suffered ankle and knee sprains that will probably sideline him through November. Other absences for Wednesday?s game include Marcos Llorente, César Azpilicueta, and Robin Le Normand ? leaving head coach Diego Simeone in a tricky position when it comes to picking a team. Simeone will ring in more changes to his 11 on Wednesday due to the injury crisis and is ready to give the trident of Julián Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Alexander Sørloth another go from the start. All three players contributed to goals in the Leganés win and have only started together once: during last month?s draw against Real Madrid.
When asked Tuesday about Griezmann?s recent retirement from France duty, Simeone told the media that the 33-year-old ?has given France his talent, his play, his jerarquía. He has won titles, he has managed to generate ...