Will Liverpool win against the Rojiblancos for the first time?
Perhaps the strongest group of this year’s Champions League season is Group B. So far, Klopp’s Liverpool side have been unscathed with two wins. On Tuesday evening, his Reds host the nominally most attractive match at the Wanda Metropolitano. The match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool kicks off at 9 p.m.
The Reds lead the table comfortably with two wins over Porto and AC Milan, while Atletico Madrid edged out the traditional Italian club before recording a draw in the Iberian clash. The two teams are thus already a step ahead of the big-name competition, and the winner of the top match will open the door to the last 16. Despite playing as guests, the Reds are considered the most likely outcome for Atletico Madrid against Liverpool
However, it should not go unmentioned that the Rojiblancos from Madrid are a kind of fearful opponent. Together with FC Basel, Atletico Madrid are the team Liverpool have yet to beat in four international matches. Should this black mark be eradicated, the Reds will already have one leg in the last 16 of this year’s CL season.
Atletico Madrid – Statistics & current form
The international break did not necessarily come at an ideal time for the reigning Spanish champions. In the two previous games, the Simeone eleven was able to build up a lot of self-confidence. In addition to the success in the top flight, the Madrilenians achieved a prestigious victory with a commanding 2-0 win against FC Barcelona. The victory was pure satisfaction, especially for Luis Suarez, who was sacked at Barcelona by Ronald Koeman without any appreciation.
Winning goal in minute 96:23
The Uruguayan was too old for Barcelona, but at Atletico Madrid he is the absolute guarantee of success. Despite his 34 years, Suarez, who scored 82 goals in 133 games for Liverpool between 2011 and 2014, has been largely responsible for Atletico Madrid’s success in recent months. The Uru has also scored four goals already this LaLiga season, making him the top scorer.
In the top flight, Suarez was responsible for a late, fortunate victory over AC Milan at the San Siro on the second day of group play. From minute 29 onwards, the Spaniards were outnumbered 0:1, but had great problems against the Rossoneri. Antoine Griezmann equalised in minute 84 before Luis Suarez held his nerve to convert a penalty after 96:23 minutes. Never before in the UEFA Champions League has there been a later match-winning goal.
In general, Atletico Madrid have been late starters, with their last three goals, or four of their last seven CL goals, coming in the last ten minutes of the match. In the top match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, it is therefore possible to predict that more goals will be scored in the second half than in the first.
Goodbye home strength
Atletico Madrid is considered an extremely unpleasant opponent with an intense style of play. Especially in home games, the Rojiblancos were feared for many years. In the recent past, however, the home strength at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium has been somewhat lost.
Atletico Madrid have not won any of their four most recent international home games (three draws, one defeat). Despite a value of 4.4 expected goals, the Simeone eleven was only allowed to cheer once. In the battle for the round of 16, the Spaniards will have to get back to their old performances in the home matches.
Predicted line-up of Atletico Madrid:
Oblak – Gimenez, Hermoso, Savic – Koke – Carrasco, de Paul, Lemar, Llorente – Griezmann, Suarez
Last matches played by Atletico Madrid:
Liverpool – Statistics & current form
For a long time last season, the Reds were somewhat lacking in freshness. The Klopp eleven had to pay tribute to the extremely intense game, in addition to countless injuries. With a furious finish, however, the CL participation was still secured. Over the summer break, they managed to carry over their strong form and the traditional English club is currently in a very strong shape.
Furious Pool Offensive
In the current Premier League table, Liverpool are only one point behind Chelsea and are also the only team that has not yet conceded a league defeat. The offensive figures are absolutely impressive, as Salah & Co. have scored no less than 22 times in the first eight league games. On average, a goal ratio of 22:6 after eight games results in 3.50 goals per game. Despite the strong Atletico defence, a prediction of over 2.5 is absolutely obvious given the Reds’ current fixtures between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
Mo Salah, currently the best player in the world for Jürgen Klopp, has been playing the opposing defence dizzy in recent weeks. The Egyptian has now scored in eight competitive matches in a row. Salah has also scored in the last five CL away games. Unsurprisingly, the lowest betting odds are being offered on Salah to score in the top match.
Spain is not a good ground for Liverpool
The Reds are in absolute top form and brimming with confidence, yet the low betting odds on the away win should be critically questioned. After all, Atletico Madrid is not only a kind of fear opponent of the Reds, but in general the Spanish ground is not necessarily the Reds’ favourite destination.
Since an away win against Real Madrid in the 2008/09 season, Liverpool have played seven games in Spain and have only managed a single draw. In six of those games, the Reds have gone home empty-handed. So be careful with Atletico Madrid against Liverpool at odds around 2.30.
Predicted Liverpool line-up:
Alisson – Robertson, van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold – Milner, Henderson, Keita – Mane, Firmino, Salah
Last matches played by Liverpool:
Atletico Madrid – Liverpool Direct Comparison / H2H Balance
The Colchoneros from Madrid are something of a fear opponent for the Reds. The two teams have faced each other four times in the top flight, and Liverpool have not yet managed a win (two draws, two defeats). In the 2019/20 season, Klopp’s side lost out in the last 16.
Atletico Madrid – Liverpool Tip
This top match pits two teams who are undoubtedly among the title contenders for the 2021/22 CL season. Liverpool could start planning for the last 16 with an away win in Spain. The Reds’ current form and the home side’s lack of match practice (this weekend’s league game was postponed due to the large number of South American team players) are certainly arguments for betting on the visitors between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
The weak record in Spain, however, is a deterrent and therefore the eye is directed towards an Over 2.5. With Atletico games, such bets are always to be taken with a little caution, but those who have seen the recent Liverpool games will go along with this prediction. Salah, Mane, Firmino are bursting with playfulness and confidence and will also come to their opportunities at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Sooner or later, the Rojiblancos will also have to invest more in the offensive and therefore three goals are definitely to be expected. At Unibet, odds of just over 2.00 are offered for this prediction between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool – stake here is six units.
