Atletico Madrid have the opportunity to cement their spot in the Champions League round of 16 for the fourth consecutive season when they host Rostov on Tuesday evening.
The Rojiblancos currently sit on top of Group D with nine points after claiming three consecutive 1-0 victories in their opening matchdays.
Meanwhile, German heavyweights Bayern Munich who, realistically, are the only team capable of challenging Diego Simeone's men for a first-placed finish, are currently languishing in second with six points while PSV Eindhoven are third.
Despite being considered the group's weakest team, Atletico Madrid earned a hard-fought victory over the Russians last time out in Europe, thanks in large to Yannick Carrasco's second-half volley in trying conditions, to maintain their lead at the top.
This time, though, everything will be on Atleti's terms as they look to successfully negotiate the first of four stages en-route to the final in Cardiff.
Given the inferiority of Rostov on paper, it is likely that Simeone will look to introduce slight changes to his starting XI with Fernando Torres given the nod over Kevin Gameiro as was the case a fortnight ago.
Indeed, a win at home would provide a boost for Simeone, whose side have often been patchy in the capital this season, as they prepare for their potentially tricky final two group fixtures against the Bavarian and Dutch giants knowing that a burden has been lifted off their shoulders.
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