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Atlético de Madrid will welcome Barcelona to the Metropolitano, where the Colchoneros have lost their last two official matches, against Bodø/Glimt and Betis.
Now, another ‘B’ - Barça - will be hoping to prove the saying “things come in threes” true. The impressive performance by Atlético away at Betis in the Copa del Rey (5-0) lifted the spirits of their fans, with the prospect of a trophy now a little closer, despite facing the current holders at this stage.
However, Simeone’s side quickly disappointed their supporters by losing to the same Andalusian team at home just three days later (1-0), leaving them 13 points behind Flick’s side and 12 behind Madrid in the league.
On top of that, Atlético face a packed schedule, with league matches and the Champions League play-off following this semi-final first leg.
That’s not the case for Barça, who seem to be hitting form at just the right time. The Catalans face their first top-flight opponent in the competition at the semifinal stage, after seeing off Guadalajara, Racing and Albacete, and now face a real test before visiting Girona in the league on Monday.
After that, they’ll finally have a couple of weeks with just one league fixture, giving them time to prepare for the decisive phase of the season.
Barça have had the upper hand over Simeone’s side recently, but that doesn’t mean Thursday’s clash will be anything less than a huge challenge.
Atlético v Barça Tips
Juan Musso to make over 2.5 saves – 4/9 @ bet365
Barça over 5.5 corners – 1/1 @ bet365
Atlético and Barça to score between one and three goals – 8/11 @ bet365
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
Musso to make three or more saves
Argentine goalkeeper Juan Musso, formerly of Atalanta, is a top-class back-up to Jan Oblak and a real asset for Simeone in the cup. In two of Atlético’s three Copa del Rey matches this season, Musso has made more than three saves.
The only exception was against Betis in the last round, when the Andalusians didn’t manage enough shots on target, and the Argentine keeper finished with 2 saves. It seems almost certain that one of the world’s best attacking teams, and the side with the most shots in Spain, will keep Musso busy.
The Atlético stopper was already tested by Flick’s Barcelona in last season’s Copa del Rey semi-finals, making 4/5 saves in the second leg (a 0-1 defeat) and 5/9 in the first leg (a 4-4 draw). So we expect the Argentine to make three or more saves again.
Tip: Juan Musso to make over 2.5 saves – 4/9 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Musso makes three or more saves in the match
Six or more Barça corners
Barça are in good form, especially going forward, and that’s reflected in their corner count. They’ve won six or more corners in seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, and they also managed it on both visits to the Metropolitano last season. So we’re backing them to get over 5.5 corners in this game.
Tip: Barça over 5.5 corners – 1/1 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Barça win six or more corners in the match
Both teams to score, but fewer than four goals each
An interesting combination bet is for both teams to score, but for neither to reach four goals. Atlético de Madrid have scored between one and three goals in 14 of their 17 official home matches at the Metropolitano in all competitions. The same stat applies to seven of Barça’s last nine games across all competitions, as well as in 16 of their 19 away matches this season across all competitions.
Tip: Atlético and Barça to score between one and three goals – 8/11 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if both Atlético and Barcelona score, but neither side reaches four goals
Odds for Atlético v Barcelona
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
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Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.