Tuesday 22/04/2014, 21:00, Champions League, Semifinals, Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea
Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Betting Preview
Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals to offset a 3-1 deficit against PSG. Two goals scored at Stamford Bridge without conceding one were enough to grant them safe passage to the semifinals. They will lock horns with Atletico Madrid who is the current leader in Primera Division and recently caused the untimely elimination of Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Betting Odds
At Betfair
Atletico Madrid 1.90, Draw 3.20, Chelsea 4.50
Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Betting Tips
Jose Mourinho was immensely frustrated by the defeat suffered over the weekend against Sundarland, the team sitting in the last place in the English Premier League. This defeat has probably compromised Chelsea's chances of winning the title in 2014, as Liverpool now has a comfortable advantage over the Blues.
The Portuguese coach is experienced enough to know that he needs to focus at the task at hand, which is to qualify his team to the finals. Things can go either way in the other semifinal, where Bayern Munich and Real Madrid meet, but Chelsea needs to take it one step at a time.
Given the dominant manner in which Atletico Madrid qualified at the expense of Barcelona, the visitors need to be wary. Conceding an early goal might prove impossible to fix and Chelsea would be wrong to assume that they could offset a two goals deficit in the second leg once again.
After losing the last round in the domestic championship, Chelsea is virtually out of contention and the upcoming game against Liverpool is no longer critical. As a result, they can focus exclusively at the semifinals against Atletico Madrid.
Key Facts
- There are rumors that Courtois might be traded to Chelsea at the end of the season, which casts some shadows of doubt over his performance tonight
- Diego Costa has return to fitness and is going to be the main threat for the Blues, but just as the goaltender, he is expected to play for Chelsea in 2015.
Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Betting Odds Prediction
Diego Simeone has completely transformed Atletico Madrid into a highly competitive team that no longer relies exclusively on its strong offensive. The backline is rock-solid and the fact that they allowed just two goals in the last four games is the best argument. Nevertheless, value is with the visiting team at 2.15 for Chelsea to win or draw, although the odds are expected to drop as kickoff draws near. Mourinho is the more experienced coach and when things take a turn for the worse this could tip the balance into Chelsea's favor.
Bet: Chelsea or Draw @ 2.15 with Betfair
