Wednesday 09/04/2004, 20:45, Champions League, Quarterfinals, Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona

Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona Betting Preview

Barcelona's hunger to win the Champions League may be greater than ever after being dealt a two-window transfer ban last week.

The Camp Nou outfit were handed the punishment by Fifa a day after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Atleti - aiming for their first semi-final appearance since 1974 - hold the away-goal advantage heading into the second leg, but may be forced to do without star striker Diego Costa, who limped off with an injured hamstring after 30 minutes last Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona Betting Odds

At bet365

Atletico Madrid 3.30, Draw 3.50, Barcelona 2.30

Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona Betting Tips

The three previous domestic meetings between the sides pointed to this tie being a hotly contested affair, and the first leg did not disappoint.

Diego, who came on for the injured Costa, opened the scoring for Atleti in the 56th minute, before Neymar levelled matters 15 minutes later.

The result was the fourth draw between the sides in all competitions this season.

However, the hosts' home form should give them cause for optimism, having won 16 of their last 17 home games in Uefa competition.

That said, Barca have not lost for four years at Atleti, and will need to maintain that run if they are to reach a seventh successive semi-final.

The sides currently occupy the top two spots in the Spanish top flight - Atleti are one point clear of second-placed Barca - and the last two-legged tie between them, the Spanish Super Cup, was won on away goals by the Catalan giants.

While conceding it would have been nice to head into the second leg with a kinder scoreline, Barcelona's Xavi claims the need to win could benefit his side.

Atleti have question marks over the fitness of Arda Turan (groin), while Barca will be without Victor Valdes (knee) and Gerard Pique (hip).

Key Facts

• In their head-to-head meetings up to last August Spanish Super Cup 1st leg, the results were 15 times Over 2.5 goals out of a possible 16 meetings, since then, we see 4 straight Under 2.5 goals as a result just this seasons alone.

Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona Betting Prediction

If Barcelona scores 2 goals at Atletico Madrid, they are pretty much turn around into their favor, I don't personally think Atletico Madrid will try to put 11 men inside their box to defend their one away goal advantage, I am going to chase for Over 2.5 Goals simply I can not see for the 5th time this season both side will produce another Under 2.5 goals!

Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.05 With Betvictor