Atletico host Leverkusen on Wednesday 15th for their 2nd leg match. Atletico leads 4-2 on aggregate and they look sure to qualify further in the quarter-finals. Atletico have won their last seven two-leg ties against German teams. They are unbeaten in their last eight Champions League home matches. They have the 2nd best defense from the Spanish La Liga after Villarreal (19 goals conceded in 27 rounds). Atletico have lost just two games from their last 15 fixtures in all competitions (both against Barcelona). The 1st leg saw them being in complete control of the game and they head into the 2nd lead after a comfortable 4-2 away win. They will be looking to knock-out Leverkusen from the round of 16 as they managed two years ago.
It’s hard to believe that Leverkusen might score three times and keep a clean sheet when they will play on Vincente Calderon. In the German Bundesliga they currently sit in 10th place, four points below the 1st European Cup qualification spot, so they might prioritize their league matches over this contest. Atletico will do what they know best – they will secure the lead and defend really well, and if they will have the chance to strike on the break for sure they will win the match. It’s expected that Leverkusen will enter the match with a weaker team.
In the Spanish La Liga, Atletico Madrid are trying to close the gap on Sevilla, finish in top 3 and earn a lucrative Champions League position. If both, Sevilla and Atletico will qualify further, the Spanish football will have 4 teams in the Champions League quarter-finals. Atletico are holding another incredible record – only 1 goal conceded in their last eight European home matches. Leverkusen have yet to win a match in the Champions League round of 16. Atletico’s plans for this season are big, they are targeting a 3rd Champions League final appearance in the last 4 years. Gabi, Gameiro, and Torres might miss this clash due to injuries, but the Atletico’s bench is solid and the subs are at the same level with the 1st squad. We expect another match fully controlled by the home team with Simeone’s men very determined to show what they are capable of and win the game in style, maybe from half-time.
Best picks for the match:
Atletico to win with -1 AH (Asian Handicap) at 2.1 with Bet365
Over 2.5 goals in the match at 1.75 with William Hill
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