Bitesize Prediction: Sparta Prague vs Atletico Madrid – 26/11/24

Competition: Champions League

Market: Atletico Madrid win

Odds: 4/5 @ BetUS

Turning their attention back to Champions League action on Tuesday evening, Atletico Madrid will travel to Sparta Prague.

Starting with the hosts, while Sparta Prague might have successfully defended their Premiership crown last season, the Czech giants find themselves in the midst of a real struggle. Suffering a shock second-half collapse at home against Teplice over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, Lars Friis appears to have some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Heading into November’s international break with a 2-2 stalemate away at Mlada Boleslav, the Reds have remarkably put just a single victory on the board from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Likewise, failing to record back-to-back victories since the middle of September, Tuesday’s hosts should be bracing themselves for another stern examination in midweek. Last seen in Champions League action falling to a 2-1 defeat at home against French outfit Brest, Sparta Prague have also continued to show some glaring defensive struggles. In fact, Friis’ downbeat squad have recorded just a sole clean sheet across any format from their last 11 consecutive appearances.

As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might have signed off October in the midst of their own struggle, Diego Simeone’s men have come roaring back in some style. Marking their return from November’s international break with a 2-1 victory at home against Alaves, the Spanish giants have now won each of their previous five straight appearances across all competitions. Last seen in Champions League action laying down a famous marker as they snatched a 2-1 victory away at French heavyweights PSG, Tuesday’s guests should be smelling another golden opportunity here. Heading into November’s fortnight interval with a 1-0 win away at Mallorca, Atletico will also be excited by their recent success away from the Metropolitano. In fact, Simeone’s resurgent squad have won all of their last three consecutive away fixtures by an aggregate score of 5-1. Given what has been a huge recent gulf in class between Tuesday’s opponents, we are expecting an away victory in midweek.

Bet: Atletico Madrid 4/5 to beat Sparta Prague in Tuesday’s Champions League showdown @ BetUS