Why Are Atletico Madrid Favourites to Win?
Diego Simeone has been manager of Atletico Madrid since 2011. The Argentine is approaching his ten-year anniversary at the Wanda Metropolitano due to the fact that he’s been massively effective at the Spanish club and there’s a chance that Atleti will be crowned European champions this summer.
Simeone has already steered the team from the Spanish capital to two Champions League final appearances and they have also won two Europa Leagues under him, while there was also a La Liga title victory in the 2013/14 season. He has the knowhow when it comes to the big stage.
Atletico are the 5/4 favourites to win this clash and it will be a clash of styles considering that they are a defensive-minded bunch who look to grind out results against an RB Leipzig team who are altogether keener to get on the front foot in order to make things happen.
Can Leipzig Avoid the Same Fate as Liverpool?
It should be noted that Liverpool were beaten by Atletico Madrid in the previous round and what made that victory especially impressive is the fact that the Reds had their noses in front at 2-1 on aggregate only for the visitors to Anfield to find a way back into the tie.
However, some will think that the 9/4 about Leipzig with BetVictor looks a big price considering that the Red Bull-powered team are among the best in Germany. They sit third in the German Bundesliga and have been especially brilliant on the road when winning eleven and drawing four of their seventeen away matches.
Julian Nagelsmann will be acutely aware that Atletico will try to clamp down on Leipzig and grind out a victory, although Timo Werner will aim to light up the tournament before switching to Chelsea and the German striker has pilfered 35 goals for his club this term.
What Are the Best Bets for This Match?
This is a real clash of ideals at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, with Leipzig’s domestic season having finished in late June and they will have had plenty of time to prepare for this tie.
We can’t help but feel as though Leipzig are overpriced to qualify for the semi-final stage of the competition. They are a high-class team who tend to fare well on the road and Timo Werner is one of the best strikers in the world.
However, this could be a match which has a cagey opening. After all, Atletico are masters at getting their noses in front and then grinding out a win, while Leipzig will be wary of conceding the first goal.
You can get odds-against that the game is level at the break irrespective of what comes afterwards and we’ll also have a dabble on the final score being 1-1.