Stuttgart vs Atlético Madrid Player Props: Baena's Form Is Hard to Ignore
Updated October 20, 2026
Updated October 20, 2026
Atlético Madrid are looking increasingly difficult to stop. Six consecutive victories, four clean sheets, and an attack that's beginning to find its rhythm. That's hardly encouraging for a Stuttgart side struggling to reproduce its Champions League performances in the Bundesliga.
Diego Simeone's team has plenty of attacking talent, but one player has been particularly impressive lately. Álex Baena scored another decisive goal against Espanyol over the weekend, and his shooting numbers suggest he could cause Stuttgart problems on Tuesday.
Rather than relying on Stuttgart generating opportunities against Atlético's defense, I'm focusing on the visitors.
Álex Baena and Julián Álvarez are both expected to start, with Simeone likely to make several changes after Saturday's victory against Espanyol.
Atlético will be without Koke and Cristian Romero, although Johnny Cardoso is available again. Stuttgart are dealing with defensive injuries of their own, including the expected absence of Maximilian Mittelstädt.
These are projected starting XIs and should be checked against the official lineups before kickoff.
Five goals in nine La Liga appearances. Another two assists. And an 89th-minute winner against Espanyol on Saturday.
Baena is becoming one of Atlético's most important attacking players, and there's more to his recent performances than simply finding the back of the net.
The Spaniard has recorded 20 shots in La Liga this season, averaging approximately 3.4 per 90 minutes. He's also registered two attempts against Liverpool and three against Manchester United in the Champions League.
That's encouraging against a Stuttgart side that has been vulnerable defensively in domestic competition.
What I particularly like is Baena's willingness to shoot from outside the penalty area. His winner against Espanyol came from distance, and he doesn't necessarily need Atlético to create clear-cut opportunities inside the box to generate attempts.
Of course, there's a difference between dominating possession and generating shots. Stuttgart have won both Champions League matches this season, so I'm not expecting the hosts to offer no resistance whatsoever.
Still, if Atlético control the tempo as I expect, Baena should have opportunities to test Stuttgart's defense.
My preferred prop is Baena to record at least two shots, provided he starts. I'd consider an entry price of 60¢ or lower if the contract becomes available.
The biggest concern is playing time. Baena lasted 72 minutes against Liverpool and 70 against Manchester United, so another early substitution could limit his opportunities.
