After knocking out their La Liga rivals, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid now face the German champions Bayern Munchen in the first leg of games of the semifinals. In a game that pits two teams with distinct characteristics, football betting fans should expect more than a surprise. Keep reading for the full game preview and predictions.
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Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munchen
- Time: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 2:45 PM ET
Bet on Atletico Madrid
In their game against Barcelona in the last round, Atletico completely shut down any attempt made to enter their backfield. Even with a man down for most of the game, Simeone’s squad frustrated Barca with an iron-clad defense that is practically impenetrable and may give prelude of what Bayern can expect in today’s match.
After that game, Atletico has gone on to defend their goal for three straight matches. Head coach Diego Simeone’s strategic defense is very difficult to score against, even with the likes of Barcelona’s deadly trident of Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luis Suarez.
It also shows that it may hold up against Bayern, a team that has some similarities with Barcelona in their offense. And, with the first game being played at Vicente Calderon, there’s even more of a shot at “Los Colchoneros” to hold this match scoreless. Under Simeone, Atletico has been solid at home, only allowing one goal through their last six matches and two in five in this competition.
And, what about Atletico’s offense? With Frenchman Antoine Griezmann leading the way, Atletico found the back of the net against Barcelona on two occasions. With Fernando Torres back in the fold for today’s game, Atletico’s strength up front is doubled and have a good chance of getting behind Bayern’s defense to score.
Bet on Bayern Munchen
Without question, heading into this competition Bayern was one of the heavy favorites to make it all the way to the finals. However, after the first two knockout rounds, Bayern, though passing to the semifinals, did not convince its fans or analysts alike. They only defeated Juventus in the last minute of play and against Benfica they won in the aggregate.
Regardless, those games are done and passed, and Bayern still remains among the favorites to making it all the way. Atletico however, may prove to be a difficult foe. Even with the likes of Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowsky up front, we’ve already seen how Atletico can close down any opportunity to score.
Head coach Pep Guardiola though, is a master at figuring out ways to crack through these types of defenses. And, without a doubt he has the talent to do so. With players like Douglas Costa, Franck Ribery and Kingsley Coman at wings, Bayern can pass the ball into the penalty zone where Lewandowsky and Muller are always waiting.
This will be a game to admire, as two teams with distinct strategies will test each other trying to figure out who makes the first mistake.
Game Predictions: The first game will be a test. Simeone and Guardiola will poke around to find an opening and seek the opportunistic goal. Expect a 0-0 draw.