Verdict: Atletico Madrid to score first – yes
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: 888sport
Atletico Madrid couldn’t have a higher morale, as Los Colchoneros are coming off an impressive 3-0 win over Olympique Marseille this past Wednesday, winning the UEFA Europa League title as a result. Diego Simeone’s men have also clinched a Champions League spot as a result, so they will now try to end their season at home on a strong note. They will host an Eibar side that has nothing to play for but their pride at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium this Sunday at 17:30 BST.
Atletico Madrid
Simeone led Los Colchoneros to yet another European title in dominant fashion, as the team outplayed Marseille thanks to great performances from players such as Diego Godin, Antoine Griezmann, and Koke. But the win did not come out of nowhere, as Atletico have been playing extremely well during the course of the entire season. Even though they have absolutely nothing to play since they sit in second place, they could use a win since Real Madrid sit behind them only three points behind them. With a Champions League berth clinched and the Europa League title already secured, Atletico’s final objective this term will be to end the season on a strong note and win this one. Not only to further solidify their strong record at home (W12, D5, L1), but also to make sure they will finish the end of the season above their hated rivals.
Team News
Atletico Madrid are at full strength ahead of this game.
Simeone does not have injured, suspended, or doubtful players for the season finale.
Eibar
Eibar might have nothing to play for, but there is no question they are on a good run of form at the moment. Following back-to-back wins against over Girona and relegated Las Palmas, now Eibar will try to clinch something very few teams have conquered this season. They will try to become the second side to defeat Los Colchoneros in the current Liga campaign. And while that is a complicated thing to do, their good run of form should at least make them feel comfortable of their chances. For what is worth, the team sit in ninth place of the standings with 50 points, but their record against Atletico could probably cause them to back down a bit. They have won just once in 13 competitive matches against Atletico Madrid, with two draws and 10 losses. Will they end the season pulling a monumental upset against the newly-crowned Europa League winners?
Team News
Eibar will be quite depleted ahead of this game since they will miss three important players. Pape Diop, Sergi Enrich (both knee) and Pedro Leon (ankle) have already been ruled out of this contest.
As if that wasn’t enough, Fran Rico might not play due to a knee problem.
Key Factors to Consider
- Four of Atletico Madrid’s last five games across all competitions have had under 2.5 goals.
- On that same note, the last 13 games of Los Colchoneros at Wanda Metropolitano have had only one team scoring.
- One of Atletico’s biggest strengthts at home has been their defensive play. Barring their latest 0-2 defeat against Espanyol, they went 12 games straight games without conceding at home.
- Eibar have not had the best season playing on the road, but they are improving. In fact, they have not lost in their past three away contests (W2, D1)
- Only one of the last five league games of Eibar have had over 2.5 goals scored.
Conclusion
Atletico Madrid have transformed Wanda Metropolitano in an authentic fortress. As such, they shouldn’t have problems to secure the win in this game.
Expect them to score the first goal of the contest.
Verdict: Atletico Madrid to score first – yes
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: 888sport
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