Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea

Prediction: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: 888sport

While domestic football may be at the forefront for many clubs all across the continent of Europe, the UEFA Champions League is still always going to be viewed as the one true elite competition by all those who compete in it – and also by those who desire to do so. Today, we’re going to be previewing a Round of 16 tie between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea as they prepare to compete in the first leg at the National Arena in Bucharest on Tuesday night.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid haven’t exactly been at the races for the last few weeks, but Diego Simeone still knows that his club is in an incredibly positive position heading into the final few months of the campaign. They’re the frontrunners in the La Liga title race and they’re also one of the real dark horses to go all the way and capture the Champions League crown. Whether or not they do so, however, depends on their ability to bounce back from a recent drop in form.

Team News

Herrera is likely to miss out after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month with Trippier being suspended. Lemar and Dembele will feature after returning against Levante with Gimenez, Vrsaljko and Carrasco all being ruled out through injury.

Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel isn’t going to be the one and only answer to all of Chelsea Football Club’s problems and the man himself knows that. Alas, when you possess a squad as talented as he does, immediate results are expected – and so far, he’s been able to live up to that expectation. They aren’t going to be title contenders in the Premier League anytime soon, but you never know what they could achieve with a few strong performances under their belt in Europe.

Team News

The only real injury problem for Chelsea to concern themselves with is the fitness of Thiago Silva with Mount noting he will be fine to play this game despite picking up a knock at the weekend.

Factors to Consider

• Atletico finished 2nd in Group A with nine points whereas Chelsea finished 1st in Group E with 14 points.
• Atletico have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Atletico have scored 12 goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored nine goals and conceded two in their last six games.

Conclusion

This is going to be the definition of a tight and tense affair with neither team really feeling at home in what has turned out to be a neutral game due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Atletico, while they may be low in confidence, should probably fancy their chances at getting a positive result here, if only because they always seem to have a specific style when going up against English sides. We’re backing them to edge out a narrow 1-0 win to take into the second leg.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: 888sport