This year’s La Liga title will be decided in the most dramatic way possible as second place Barcelona face league leaders Atletico Madrid on the final day of the season. Defending champs Barca (favored at -147) must win to retain their crown, while just a draw will see Atleti (+320) celebrate its first league triumph in 18 years.
La Liga isn’t the only elite league deciding its championship this month, or even the only one involving Atletico. You can check out our Champions League final and German Cup Final previews and create a betting account now to start wagering on all three big time match ups in minutes.
[sc:Soccer ]Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid Betting Preview
When: Saturday, May 17, 2014, 11:00 AM EST
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona
Line: Atletico Madrid (+320) at Barcelona (-147); Tie +260 – view all soccer lines
Betting on Barcelona
Barcelona’s Camp Nou has been the most imposing ground to visit this season. Barca have won 16 of their 18 home games this season, with 63 goals scored and just 14 conceded. However, they did drop points earlier this month to Getafe, who scored in injury time to force a 2-2 draw. And in Barca’s most recent match, they also drew against minnows Elche.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Barca could have its major players back in time for the Atletico clash. Key defender Gerard Pique is training for the first time since injuring his hip in the first leg of Barca’s Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico. Meanwhile, Brazilian striker Neymar has an outside chance of making the game.
Leading scorer Lionel Messi (28 goals in 30 La Liga games) has scored in three of his last four games, but has failed to score in all five meetings against Atletico this season.
Betting on Atletico Madrid
The mission for Atletico is simple: keep Barcelona from scoring and a first La Liga since 1995-96 will be theirs. Well, it just so happens that Atletico is the best at keeping other teams from scoring – Atletico has the best defensive record in the league with just 25 goals conceded – and is especially adept at keeping clean sheets against Barcelona.
In their five meetings with Barca this season, Atletico has held Messi and co. scoreless in three of those games. In their two most recent (and very high profile) meetings, Atletico drew 1-1 with Barca at the Camp Nou in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie before edging the tie 1-0 at home.
But should Atletico need a goal, top scorer Diego Costa (27 goals) will likely be the one to supply it. This game will likely be the Brazilian-born Spanish international’s last league game for Atletico before his anticipated move abroad, and he’ll be eager to deliver his fans with a parting gift in the form of a championship.
Writer’s Prediction
Atletico takes the title in style and brings down Barca at Camp Nou while cashing a profitable +320 money line.
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