Atletico Madrid-Chelsea betting preview
Here comes the first of UEFA Champions League semi finals. An upbeat Atletico Madrid hosts a scarred Chelsea. Atletico has all kinds of imaginable advantages: they are playing at home, they possess the better recent form, and they have not lost a match at home in this season’s La Liga. But Chelsea started almost all crunch games in the Champions League knock-out round as an underdog. That the team is playing now to reach the final in itself is a testimony to their resilience.
Both the teams are looking for a double, of winning their domestic league title and Champions League crown. Atletico is better-placed to achieve it, as they lead the Spanish league. Chelsea’s chances of winning the premier league trophy took a beating when they lost against Sunderland last week. Now they trail league leaders Liverpool by five points.
Worse, they are playing Liverpool next week at Anfield. In short, they will be playing three tough games in the span of eight days. If Chelsea comes out victorious after this tough schedule, they are truly deserving winners.
Atletico does not have such a tough schedule. They are likely to be the neutral fans’ favourite to win both the La Liga and Champions League trophies. They have not lost a match in the Champions League yet. A big lead in the home leg is what they look forward to gain.
Diego Costa has not recovered fully from the injury, but he is likely to play. Atletico will miss the services of midfielder Arda Turan.
Eden Hazard’s injury has come at the wrong time for Chelsea. Marco van Ginkel too is injured. The team still boasts of a galaxy of stars. They will hope Demba Ba will continue his heroics with some crucial goals.
Atletico Madrid-Chelsea Prediction
Both the teams have a similar style of play: defend stoutly and unleash quick counter attacks. Atletico does it better in recent times. Chelsea will be happy if they manage to escape with a draw and score an away goal. We don't expect too many goals in this match.
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