Atalanta vs Valencia Champions League Round of 16 Leg 1 Odds & Pick
By Quinn Allen in Soccer News
Updated: March 18, 2021 at 12:51 pm EDTPublished:
- Champions League Football returns this week, with Atalanta hosting Valencia in the first leg of the round of 16
- This is the first time these two squads will meet in a competitive fixture
- Get the odds, picks, and betting preview for Wednesday’s clash below
We have four exciting matches slated between Tuesday and Wednesday for the Champions League round of 16 as the hunt for European glory proceeds. Two sides who surprised everyone in the group stages will face off, with Atalanta taking on Spanish side Valencia on Wednesday, February 19, kick-off 3 PM EST.
Atalanta, who are currently fourth in Serie A, finished second in Group C behind Manchester City, while Valencia was atop group H, beating out Chelsea for top spot thanks to their head-to-head record. Albert Celades’ side is currently in sixth place in La Liga after a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid on Friday.
Atalanta vs Valencia UCL Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atalanta | -0.5, -1 (+112) | -116 | Over 2.5 (-123) |
| Valencia | +0.5, +1 (-128) | +265 | Under 2.5 (+107) |
| Draw | N/A | +285 | N/A |
Odds taken Feb. 15th
Although Valencia comfortably advanced through their group and Atalanta just slipped through by the skin of their teeth, the Italian side is the slight favorite thanks to their impressive form this season. They head into this match fresh off a huge 2-1 league victory over Roma on Saturday as well.
Atalanta Enjoying a Fantastic Season
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has been exhilarating to watch this season, once again impressing after finishing third in the Italian top flight last year. They’re now sixth points clear of Roma in fourth spot thanks to their crucial win over them on the weekend.
Their debut in the Champions League started off rocky, losing their first three matches against Man City, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Dinamo Zagreb. But Atalanta responded in fine fashion, playing to a 1-1 draw with Man City on Matchday four then beating Donetsk and Zagreb in their next two fixtures to secure their spot in the last 16.
Although they bagged just eight goals in their six group matches, Atalanta has been a scoring machine in Serie A. They’ve netted a league-best 63 goals in just 24 matches. The next closest side to them in terms of scoring is Lazio, who is a whole ten goals behind them.
Josip Ilicic is always a man to watch, having scored 14 goals already this season in domestic play. He’s yet to score in the Champions League, but it’s only a matter of time. Colombian Luis Muriel is always a threat as well, finding the net 12 times this season. This is Atalanta’s first UEFA fixture against a Spanish opponent.
Valencia Looking to Build Off Group Stage
Los Che topped off their impressive group campaign by knocking out Ajax on the last matchday, which was a huge shock to everyone after the Dutch side made a cinderella run to the semifinals last season in the Champions League. Valencia went 3-2-1 in the group stage, with their only loss coming against Ajax in their first meeting on Matchday two. They proceeded to also beat Chelsea and Lille while drawing both of them in their previous clashes.
🌟 @ChampionsLeague MODE 🔛🌟 pic.twitter.com/iy2pXRcVsE
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) February 15, 2020
Valencia has won just once in their last eight matches in the Champions League against Italian teams, so they will be looking to break that streak on Wednesday. But on a positive note, seven of their eleven points in the group stage were picked up away from Mestalla Stadium.
They’re currently fresh off an impressive 2- 2 draw against Atletico Madrid on Friday and will be hungry to carry that momentum into this European fixture. Daniel Parejo will be a key player in the middle of the pitch for Alberto Celades’ squad, having scored once and assisted two more goals in their six group fixtures. Striker Rodrigo is always a threat as well, adding two goals and two assists in the round of 32.
Atalanta vs Valencia UCL Stats
| 2-1-3 | Group Stage Record | 3-2-1 |
| 8 | Goals Scored | 9 |
| 12 | Goals Conceded | 7 |
| 13-6-5 (4th in Serie A) | League Play Record | 10-8-6 (6th in La Liga) |
Atalanta Will Come Out on Top
Given Atalanta’s fine form this season and the fact they’re coming off a big league win over the weekend, I believe that Gasperini’s side will come out victorious on home soil in the first leg. Valencia’s dry streak against Italian oppositions will continue, failing to score a goal on the road. Atalanta will score twice, giving them the advantage heading back to Mestalla Stadium for the second leg.
Pick: Atalanta -1 (+112)
Sports Writer
Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, with a background and education in broadcast journalism (BCIT '17). He is a full-time associate editor at ClutchPoints by day, where he writes about soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and more. At night, Quinn is a frequent contributor at SBD.
