Thanks to goals from Diego and Neymar at the 56 and 71 minute marks, respectively, the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals matchup between Barcelona and Atletico ended in a draw, 1-1. The beautifully-played match sets up what should be a thrilling second leg on April 9th.
FC Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid Second Leg Betting Preview
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2014, 2:45 EST
Where: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid
Betting on FC Barcelona
[sc:Soccer240banner ]After scoring a goal in each of FC Barcelona’s matchups against Manchester City in the Round of 16, and totaling eight in six tournament appearances, Lionel Messi was held scoreless against Atletico yesterday. Still, the four-time UEFA Champions League winners have yet to lose a game in the competition when Messi plays, going 4-0-2.
Nonetheless, Messi and company will need Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba to step up. This UEFA season, the two have been held scoreless, which is unacceptable considering their talent.
With the aggregate score now tied, Barce will need to summon a strong effort away from Camp Nou, something they have not readily been able to do in this tournament. The team’s lone draw and loss in the Champions, against Milan and Ajax, respectively, both took place away from home.
Betting on Atletico Madrid
Thanks to the heroics of Diego, who has played a total of just 68 minutes in the UEFA Champions League, Atletico is currently in a position to upset Barcelona in Madrid. To do that, Coach Diego Simeone’s guys will need to continue to get production from top-scorers Diego Costa (seven goals in the Champions League) and Arda Turan (3).
Raul Garcia, who has contributed four goals in the tournament, is now eligible to play after serving a one-game suspension. Also playing in Atletico’s favor is that they seem to have their rivals’ number on defense. In Atletico’s last four matchups against FC – both in and out of the UEFA Champions League – the usually high-scoring Barcelona has converted a grand total of two goals.
Prediction
Lionel Messi will be a man on a mission on Wednesday, and he will come up with the big goal to propel Barcelona past Atletico in what should be a well-played, offensive game.
