Champions League: Big Guns Must Go For It!

Atletico Madrid vs AC Milan

Two giants of the European game struggling to soar in the Champions League are preparing for battle at the Wanda Metropolitano and there’s only room for one of them to reach the competition’s knockout stages.

Group B, Wednesday night as Atletico Madrid host AC Milan and the scenario is such that the clubs currently occupy the bottom two spots with two matches remaining.

Diego Simeone’s Spanish champions have just four points to their name from their opening four games, while the Rossoneri are bottom of the standings with one point from a possible 12.

This really is a must-win, particularly for Milan, so Champions League highlights may well be on the cards on what could prove a tense evening.

Talking Points

Atletico start as favourites but are hardly in form. They have won just one of their last six games in the Champions League – although it was their dramatic late success over Milan at the San Siro in late September, so Stefano Pioli’s side will be out for a measure of revenge.

An 87th-minute goal from Felipe saw Atletico claim a narrow 1-0 success over La Liga high-flyers Osasuna at the weekend and Simeone will hope that generates momentum.

A combination of injuries and poor discipline means key men are absent this week.

Atletico will be without English right-back Kieran Trippier (shoulder) and Portuguese forward Joao Felix who missed their weekend win with a shin problem.

Elsewhere, Brazilian centre back Felipe and France international Antoine Griezmann are suspended following his red card against Liverpool last month.

While Atletico’s prospects are hanging in the balance, Milan are in an even more precarious position and travel to Spain knowing they have to win.

According to reports in Italy, Ante Rebic will be missing for Milan due to a biceps femoris injury, while Fikayo Tomori remains a doubt.

Both players missed their trip to Florence in Serie A that saw Pioli’s men go down to a 4-3 defeat against Fiorentina on Saturday, their first league loss of the campaign.

This week Ciprian Tatarusanu will continue to deputise in goal for the injured Mike Maignan – the Frenchman joined on the sidelines by Tomori, Rebic and Davide Calabria, while there is a doubt over the availability of Samu Castillejo.

Pioli played down any fears of a serious injury for Rafael Leao after the Fiorentina defeat, but Rade Krunic is on standby, and Olivier Giroud may start up top to give Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 40-year-old legs a rest – although the Swede remains some talent.

Alessio Romagnoli and Ismael Bennacer could provide fresh legs in defence and midfield respectively, as one of Sandro Tonali or Franck Kessie makes way.

Atlético must avoid defeat to stay in contention to reach the round of 16 without having to depend on other results; Milan simply must win against Liverpool and Atletico, hoping that the Colchoneros and Porto draw in their last group stage match.

With such permutations, this could be a night of tension and entertainment.

History

So far, the sides have met on three occasions – all in the past seven years – with Atletico triumphing each time.

The two clubs last faced each other earlier in the group when Atletico won 2-1, thanks to a late show.

Second-half goals from Griezmann and Luis Suarez secured the win for Atletico with Portuguese forward Leao netting for Milan, who had Ivorian midfielder Kessie sent off in the first half.

Until September’s late show, these sides had only met twice in the competition. That was in 2014 when they were paired together in a last 16 tie.

Diego Costa scored the only goal of the first leg at San Siro and added two more as Atleti won the return 4-1, Arda Turan and Raúl García also finding the net after Kaká had briefly made it 1-1 on the night.

Betting Tip

	Atletico Madrid vs AC Milan	Atletico Madrid First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.42
	November 25, 04:00 (GMT+8)

The SBOTOP Champions League betting odds are firmly in Atletico’s court.

They are priced 1X2 @ 1.63 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.16, whereas Milan are out as far as 1X2 @ 5.00 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.42.

The draw – a result which will see Milan eliminated – is on offer @ 3.90, whereas another 2-1 success for the Spanish side is on offer @ 6.60 with Correct Score.

If you expect goals, then how about over 2.75 goals @ 2.17, total goal 0-1 @ 3.40, 2-3 @ 1.91 and 4-6 @ 3.40.

I am going to plump for Atletico and my *** tip is First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.42.

 

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