Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich best XI: Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane and Michael Olise headline Bayern-heavy combined lineup

Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich best XI: Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane and Michael Olise headline Bayern-heavy combined lineup
Harry Kane returns to the Wanda Metropolitano, where Tottenham suffered defeat in the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool.- Photo by IMAGO / ANP Ulmer / Teamfoto

Bayern Munich travel to the Spanish capital on Tuesday looking to strengthen their position in the Champions League league phase, but they face a difficult test against an Atletico Madrid side growing in confidence.

The German champions have taken five points from their opening three European fixtures, leaving them 14th in the table, while Atletico sit just two places behind on four points.

While Atletico have found their rhythm by winning nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions, Bayern will be keen to translate their strong domestic form into more consistent European performances.

Here, Football Whispers takes a closer look at the best XI of Atleitco Madrid and Bayern Munich players this season.

Best XI · 4-3-3
Photo de J. Oblak 7.0 J. Oblak Photo de A. Davies 6.8 A. Davies Photo de M. Kim 7.2 M. Kim Photo de D. Upamecano 6.9 D. Upamecano Photo de K. Laimer 7.0 K. Laimer Photo de J. Kimmich 7.7 J. Kimmich Photo de J. Resurrección Merodio 7.0 Koke Photo de Pablo Barrios Rivas 7.0 Pablo Barrios Photo de L. Díaz Marulanda 7.5 L. Díaz Photo de H. Kane 7.9 H. Kane Photo de M. Olise 7.8 Michaël Olise
Atlético de Madrid · 3 FC Bayern München · 8

GK: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Jan Oblak gets the nod between the posts after another dependable start to the campaign.

The Atletico goalkeeper has made 29 saves in 11 La Liga appearances, keeping six clean sheets and conceding just eight goals.

His save percentage of 78.4% highlights his importance to Simeone's side, while his experience in high-pressure European fixtures gives him the edge over Bayern veteran Manuel Neuer who is currently out with an injury.

RB: Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich)

Laimer's energy, pressing and defensive work rate make him a reliable option at right-back.

His versatility and ability to support attacks also add value to Bayern's backline.

CB: Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Upamecano offers pace, strength and composure at the back, while also posing a threat from set pieces.

He also scored in Bayern's 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in his last outing.

CB: Min-jae Kim (Bayern Munich)

Min-jae Kim partners Tah at the heart of the defence, with the South Korean offering the strength and recovery pace required to deal with Atletico's forward line.

Kim has made five Bundesliga appearances this season, starting four, and has also featured in the Champions League.

His ability to defend aggressively and step forward to challenge attackers should be particularly useful against a team that thrives on quick transitions.

LB: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

Davies has endured an injury-hit 12 months, but he completed 90 minutes against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

His return to full fitness gives Bayern a major boost down the left flank.

CM: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Joshua Kimmich is an important inclusion in midfield, with the German international continuing to dictate the tempo of Bayern's play.

He has made seven Bundesliga appearances this season, recording three assists despite primarily operating in a deeper role.

His passing range and ability to control possession would be valuable against Atletico, particularly if Bayern are required to break down a compact defensive structure.

CM: Koke (Atletico Madrid)

Koke earns a place in the side thanks to his experience and importance to Atletico's midfield.

The club captain has made eight La Liga appearances this season, starting four, and remains one of Simeone's most trusted players when it comes to controlling the rhythm of a match.

The Spaniard's positional awareness and ability to retain possession could prove crucial against Bayern's energetic midfield, while his leadership offers something that statistics alone cannot measure.

CM: Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid)

Pablo Barrios joins Koke in midfield after continuing to develop into an influential figure for Atletico.

The 23-year-old has made eight La Liga appearances this season, starting seven, and has also featured in all three of the club's Champions League matches.

Barrios combines energy with technical quality, allowing him to contribute defensively while also carrying the ball forward. His ability to cover ground and help Atletico transition quickly makes him a strong selection.

RW: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

Michael Olise is an automatic inclusion on the right wing after producing some outstanding performances for Bayern this season.

The Frenchman, who finished ninth in the 2026 Ballon D'or rankings, has scored six goals and registered three assists in eight Bundesliga appearances, making him one of the most productive attacking players in the division.

His close control, creativity and ability to beat defenders one-on-one make him a constant threat, while his understanding with Bayern's other forwards has added another dimension to their attack.

ST: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane leads the line after another prolific start to the campaign.

The England captain has scored four goals and provided six assists in eight Bundesliga appearances, underlining that his contribution extends well beyond finishing chances.

Kane's movement and link-up play allow Bayern to bring their wide attackers into the game, while his clinical nature in front of goal makes him arguably the most dangerous forward in either squad.

It will also be Kane's first Champions League apperance since being named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner.

LW: Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)

Luis Diaz completes the front three, with the Colombian offering pace, direct running and an ability to create opportunities from wide areas. He has scored four goals and provided one assist in six Bundesliga appearances this season.

His willingness to take on defenders and attack the space behind opposing full-backs gives Bayern a different threat to Olise on the opposite flank.

Diaz's combination of work rate and attacking quality makes him a strong choice to round off the XI.


Cal is a dedicated football journalist and lifelong Bristol City supporter, with professional experience working within club media environments and independent sports outlets. Having previously worked with Chesterfield FC and contributed as a journalist in the newsroom, he brings an informed, authentic voice to his coverage.