Saturday 17/05/2014, 18:00, Spain Primera Division, Round 38 Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Betting Preview
The most important match in the Spanish Primera Division is scheduled for tonight, when Barcelona takes on Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou. The hosts need a victory to defend its title and this is the only trophy that they can hope for this season. Atletico Madrid failed to win Copa del Rey and start as underdogs in both the Champions League final and this decisive match in the domestic championship.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds
At Unibet
Barcelona 1.85, Draw 3.80, Atletico Madrid 4.30
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Betting Tips
The hosts will be virtually at full strength, but still without their first goaltender Valdez, who suffered an injury a few months ago. With a backline that is not even remotely as precise as the one built by Pep Guardiola, Barcelona allowed a surprisingly high number of goals.
Despite having some of the best offensive players in Europe, Barcelona scored few goals recently and failed to win against lowly opponents such as Elche and Getafe. Luckily for them, the leaders also stumbled in the last two rounds and a victory in front of their fans will be enough to deliver the trophy.
Messi and Neymar will spearhead the offensive, but Sanchez and Pedro will be waiting for an opportunity to join them up front. Given the fact that the two teams met five times this season and only three goals were scored, Barcelona might need to bolster its offense by using three strikers.
As for the visitors, it is almost certain that Atletico Madrid will rely on its standard 4-4-2 starting formation, featuring Costa and Villa upfront. They have scored a combined 14 goals this season and on a good day they are more than a match for any defense, including Barcelona. Rodriguez is the only injured player, but Simeone doesn't need him tonight and replacing the midfield there will be an easy task.
Key Facts
- In the last six Primera Division games played at Camp Nou, Barcelona emerged victorious every single time and scored an astonishing 26 goals while allowing just four
- Atletico Madrid caused Barcelona's elimination from the Champions League by playing defensive football and are expected to stick to this strategy tonight
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Betting Prediction
Atletico Madrid is fighting a war on two fronts and recent results are worrisome to say the least, as the leaders have a hard time scoring goals. Barcelona will come out firing on all cylinders and despite the fact that few goals were scored the season between the two teams, this match could turn into a scoring festival. Odds of 1.85 for a home win are not remarkable but decently high to warrant such a wager.
Bet: Barcelona @ 1.85 with Unibet
