Champions League Betting – Barca, Atletico Meet Again

Atlético Madrid (+560) at FC Barcelona (-208), Draw (+330)

Depending on how you look at it, it’s either the best or worst time to be facing Barcelona. On the one hand, the team finally showed signs of being human, losing at home to Real Madrid on the weekend, ending its 39-game unbeaten streak. On the other hand, that setback may be akin to poking a sleeping lion; Lio Messi and company might be rolling into their Champions League quarterfinal with Atletico Madrid entirely pissed off. We’ll get our answer this afternoon when the first leg of the two-game series goes at the Nou Camp (2:45 PM Eastern).

Barcelona were heavy favorites for Saturday’s edition of El Clasico, having already dismantled Real Madrid earlier in the year (4-0 away). But the Catalans looked off all game and Real’s disruptive style proved too much at the end of the day, winning 2-1 despite playing part of the game with just ten men. Cristiano Ronaldo potted the winner in the 85th minute on a cross from Gareth Bale.

Now, just three days later, Barcelona have to face their closest La Liga challenger, Atletico.

Unlike Real, Atletico doesn’t have much offensive power, but their defense is almost impenetrable.

Atletico have allowed just three goals in eight games this Champions League season. Domestically, they have allowed 15 goals in 31 games (0.4 GPG).

Their lack of offense nearly bit them in the behind in the Round of 16. They played two 0-0 draws with PSV, but managed to advance on penalties.

It’s safe to say that we’ll see a contrast in styles this afternoon as Barca look to attack and Atletico rely on their stout defense. While Barca’s attacking style plays into Atletico’s preferred style, they haven’t been able to turn that into wins lately. Barca have taken six in a row in the head-to-head.

Take the home team to win, but expect a very tight game.

Pick: Barcelona (-208).

(Photo Credit: Anish Morarji from St Albans, England (Copa del Rey – Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.)