European football fell under the shadow of Madrid last season, as Real once again retained the Champions League. The Europa League title went to Atletico, twice beaten by Real in the Champions League final since 2014. Both sides have become serial winners in continental football, and they meet again as they push for more silverware. Ahead of that huge clash, we have the latest betting predictions and odds comparison.
The two La Liga giants meet in Tallinn this week, as they fight for the UEFA Super Cup, ahead of the Champions League group stage draw. Los Blancos want to defend their crown, while Atleti will want to go all the way as hosts of the final.
As season openers go, it’s hard to not be impressed by the meeting of the two Madrid sides. There does seem to be a chance for Atleti to stake a claim to become the biggest side in the capital. With Cristiano Ronaldo and boss Zinedine Zidane departing, Real look weakened. They have lost their key man in attack, 12 months after they sold off most of the depth in their squad. Could that see the Galacticos weakened ahead of this campaign?
Julen Lopetegui does have a huge job on his hands to make Real the dominant side in Spain again, and also to go and lift the European Cup once more. Starting off with a victory over their rivals would be a good way to score points with the fans early on, but that’s going to be easier said than done. Atleti have added talent this summer, and they look like a side capable of shocking the European champions this week.
Could Signings Make a Difference?
Real Madrid have had a very quiet window so far, and they look set to keep it that way with no major money moves on the horizon. The likes of Neymar and Eden Hazard were linked, but the gap left by Ronaldo’s departure has yet to be filled. The European champions do need to freshen up their side, but their additions so far have an eye on the future. It’s certainly a big change in approach for the Galacticos, who are so used to cherry-picking the best of the market whenever they feel like it.
Meanwhile, Atletico come into this season with a lot to shout about after their summer business. They have seen a few outgoings, including World Cup finalist Sime Vrsaljko and legendary forward Fernando Torres. However, they are preparing for a full season with Diego Costa up front, which should make a difference. Unlike Real, Atletico managed to tie down their key man this summer, as Antoine Griezmann reversed his decision to leave the club.
Together Costa and Griezmann up front are a real danger. However, they now have Nikola Kalinic as back up, and there’s so much creative talent in support. Sporting winger Gelson Martins brings bags of pace, while Thomas Lemar left Monaco for Madrid. Those two should offer a lot at the Wanda Metropolitano, the stadium hosting this year’s Champions League final.
Simeone Chasing Silverware
Our odds comparison pins Real as 6/4 favourites with Ladbrokes. Atletico can be found at 2/1 with Bet365, which looks like great value given their summer business. Morale must be high after adding top quality talent, and we think Atletico will make the most of that. They have a manager who is desperate for success, and he’ll want more this week, especially against a new Real Madrid boss.
While the pre-match and trophy odds favour Real, with under 2.5 goals found at best betting odds of just 4/6 with Betfair according to our odds comparison, there’s clearly a belief this will be tight. Few managers can win tight games like Simeone, and he’ll fancy his chances against a man who has limited club experience and success. All of a sudden, Atletico begin to look like the value pick.
Sitting out at a best price of 2/1 in our odds comparison, Atletico look too big to ignore. A 1-0 victory for the Europa League winners is our pick, and that seems well priced at 7/1 with Coral ahead of the clash in Tallinn.