Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool predictions, H2H and match preview for this Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League last 16, 1st Leg match. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as Diego Simeone’s side aim to thwart Liverpool’s relentless trophy charge.
by Mark Sochon – @marksoc1
Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool Preview
Atletico Madrid got the draw that everyone in Europe wanted to avoid. Two months on from finding out their opposition in the last 16 of the Champions League, their chances of progression look if anything even slimmer than they did then. Liverpool remain on a relentless charge to end their long wait for an English league title while Atleti continue to unconvince in La Liga.
This though is a competition that has often brought the best out of Atleti during the Diego Simone era. Even last year when Cholo’s critics were just starting to circulate, Atleti produced a rousing 1st Leg display to beat Juventus 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano at this stage. It was of course a tie that Atleti ultimately lost due to the heroics of Cristiano Ronaldo but it should serve as warning to Liverpool that they cannot afford to underestimate Atleti, even if they do look a much inferior outfit now when compared to the sides that reached the 2014 and 2016 Champions League Finals.
Atleti come into this game having won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions. Their two most recent home performances were both poor as they were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Leganes before stuttering to a 1-0 win against Granada. It was an improved showing in Valencia on Friday night but they still have injury concerns over their forwards with Joao Felix and Diego Costa struggling with injuries ahead of this game while Alvaro Morata only returned from injury against Los Che off the bench.
Liverpool meanwhile should be at full strength and right now that’s a daunting prospect for Atleti. The Reds return to the stadium where they won their 6th European Cup last year. They do so an even more complete side having dropped just two points all season in the Premier League and they are the firm favourites to win both the 1st Leg and the tie overall.
Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-0 Liverpool
You can never totally discount Atletico Madrid or Diego Simeone, especially not in this competition. However this is now simply a very different team to the Atleti sides of recent years which were capable of taking on the best in Europe and often getting the better of them.
They lack an obvious goal threat and while they are still capable of giving Liverpool one of their sternest examinations so far this season, the visitors have developed a real winning habit and they should have enough about them to secure a narrow 1st Leg advantage to take back to Anfield.
UEFA Champions League Last 16 Betting Tips (18+)
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Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool H2H
- The sides last met in a summer game in the Audi Cup in 2017 with Atleti winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
- They haven’t met competitively since Diego Simeone took charge of Atleti in 2011 and Simeone has never met Klopp in a competitive setting.
- The clubs last met competitively in the 2009/10 Europa League with Atleti progressing on away goals thanks to Diego Forlan’s Extra Time strike at Anfield.
- The last Champions League meetings came in the 2008/09 group stages and both ended 1-1.
- Liverpool have of course visited this stadium before though, winning the Champions League Final here against Spurs last year.
Predicted Line Ups
Atleti Team:
Oblak – Lodi, Felipe, Savic, Arias – Saul, Koke, Thomas, Llorente – Morata, Correa (4-4-2)
Liverpool Team:
Alisson – Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold – Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Henderson – Mane, Firmino, Salah (4-3-3)
We have match previews and predictions for every game in La Liga this season plus some European and Copa del Rey games.
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