Big Game Focus: Atletico Madrid v Juventus

 

Atletico Madrid host Juventus at the Wanda Metropolitano in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday. Both teams are seeking to emulate their past success in the competition where both have reached the final twice in the last five seasons. You can bet on the game here.

Atletico Madrid ended their two-game losing streak on Saturday after beating Rayo Vallecano in La Liga to go second in La Liga. They haven’t lost a home game in the Champions League this season and will feel confident when they emerge from the tunnel.

Juventus have been dominant in the Serie A. They are yet to lose a game this season and are 13 points ahead of their closest challengers Napoli. However, the Champions League trophy is one that has evaded them and a win would be the first step for them to change that.

Both teams are considered defensive in their approach so we should expect a cagey affair.

Betting Preview

Wanda Metropolitano is a fortress for the home side. They have won four of their last five Round of 16 ties. They have lost only once in their last 15 home games in the competition. So you can back Atletico Madrid Double Chance at odds of 1.45.

Atletico have failed to score in only one match at home in the competition. They have also found the back of the net three times in their last five Round of 16 ties at home. Juventus, on the other hand, have scored in all but one of their last nine away matches in the competition. They’ve scored in their last four knockout ties away from home. Therefore you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 2.00.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 22 goals in 31 appearances against Atletico Madrid. You can back Cristiano Ronaldo as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 2.45.

Team news

Lucas Hernandez is the only absentee for the home team whilst midfielder Koke remains a doubt.

Juan Cuadrado is the only injury concern for Juventus after both Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini returned from the sidelines on Friday.

Possible line-ups

Atlético: Oblak; Arias, Giménez, Godín, Filipe Luís; Saul, Koke, Rodri, Lemar; Morata, Griezmann

Juventus: Szczęsny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Khedira, Pjanić, Matuidi; Dybala, Mandžukić, Ronaldo