Liverpool return to Wanda Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League knockout stages tonight looking to continue their quest for a treble. Can they replicate last season’s performance in the final? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
With just one win in their last seven matches in all competitions, Atletico will not head into tonight’s clash with the European champions in the best of form. They’ve been dumped out of the Copa del Rey and lost in the Spanish Super Cup final since the turn of the year. Diego Simeone’s side were knocked out of this competition at this stage last season following a 3-2 aggregate loss to a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Juventus. They’re obviously underdogs ahead of this match but make no mistake, they are a difficult opponent even for the best teams due to their defensive style of play.
Reigning champions Liverpool make a return to the scene of the club’s sixth European Cup triumph. Liverpool are having their best season in recent memory. They have won 17 consecutive league matches and are 25 points clear at the top of the table. Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently the best side in Europe but they know they’ll have to earn victory away at Atletico.
Betting preview
Liverpool’s senior team have lost just once this season, a 2-0 away defeat to Napoli in this competition. Atletico have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions. Liverpool’s form give them a slight advantage although it won’t be a walk in the park. You can back a Liverpool Double Chance at odds of 1.30.
Three of both Atletico and Liverpool’s last three games have seen Under 2.5 Goals. Five of Atletico’s last eight games in this competition have seen two goals or fewer. Seven of Atletico’s last nine home games in the Champions League have seen Under 2.5 Goals. For that reason, you can back Under 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.55.
Both teams have scored in just two of Atletico’s last ten matches in the Champions League. Liverpool have kept nine clean sheets in their last ten matches. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.70.
Team news
Joao Felix and Kieran Trippier are out. Diego Costa returned to training after being sidelined for three months while Alvaro Morata should be fit to play after making a cameo last time out.
Liverpool’s squad is in a healthy position across the board aside from long-term absentees Nathaniel Clyne, Paul Glatzel and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Possible line-ups
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Arias, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi, Vitolo, Koke, Thomas, Saul, Morata, Correa
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane