Atletico Madrid exited the race for the 2015-16 La Liga title after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Levante on May 8. They face Celta Vigo next, a squad who have gone 4-1-3 in their last eight matches. It’s going to be one hell of a match with Atletico Madrid gunning to vent out their frustrations, and Celta Vigo angling for a big name to beat.
Line: Atletico Madrid -113 vs. Celta De Vigo +280, tie +215; total 2.5 – view all La Liga lines
Betting on Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid had been tied with league leaders and defending champs Barcelona the past four weeks. But they fell out of the race when they lost 2-1 to relegation-bound Levante on the road last Sunday. But Atletico still have some to smile about from that game.
Fernando Torres scored the first goal of the match at the second minute to take an early lead. Torres has 10 goals and four assists this season. He should remain one of Atleti’s go-to scorers, especially how they’re lacking in offensive punch. He’s just one of two among the team with double digit goals. Antoine Griezmann is the other with an astounding 21 goals.
Midfielder Koke should also feature prominently in this match. He leads the team with 14 assists. He’s the important cog in the Atleti offense, helping the team transition from defense to offense. While Atletico Madrid will be hard-pressed to go on the offensive, they could keep their defense intact at home. They have kept a clean sheet in six of their last seven home matches in La Liga play.
Atleti have won their last six home matches.
Betting on Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo is on an excellent run, going unbeaten in five of their last six matches. Spanish winger Nolita provided the lone goal in their last match Sunday, beating Malaga 1-0 at home. Celticos are now at the fifth spot in the league table, holding a direct Europa League group stage qualifiying berth.
Celticos will be relying on Iago Aspas to nail a game-winning goal. Aspas leads the team with 14 goals this season, while the aforementioned Nolito is second with 12 tallies. But the two may not be enough to break through Atleti’s impenetrable defense. They’ll need plenty of help from their teammates such as Orellana and Pablo Hernandez.
Orellana has seven assists this season, tied with Nolita for a team-high. Hernandez has four assists. These two form a solid midfield, which could help unravel Atleti’s defenses.
Celta Vigo’s defense is also nothing to laugh at. They have two clean sheets in their last six matches. They have allowed just five goals over that span. Expect Celticos to put the necessary pressure on Atletico Madrid, especially playing away from home.
Celta Vigo are unbeaten in four of their last five matches against Atletico Madrid.
Writer’s Prediction
Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo play to a 1-1 draw (+215).
