18th April 2016 Kickoff: 1945hrs Atletico Madrid v Leicester City – Europe – Champions League The first meeting between these two in the Vicente Calderon last week would not be on many classic matches montages but it was job done for Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s men were able to secure a lead and they kept yet another clean sheet at home. Leicester City will also be somewhat pleased despite losing as the score gives them a chance of turning the tie around on Tuesday. As neutrals, let’s hope that the second leg is more entertaining.
There was no doubt that Craig Shakespeare was happy to sacrifice any real attacking threat last week to ensure that his team still held some sort of chance for tomorrow’s game. Jamie Vardy was isolated throughout the game as Leicester defending with nine outfield players behind the ball on most occasions. It was a job well done on that respect as they conceded only one goal but having to score against this team and hoping they do not get an away goal is much easier said than done. Leicester do have an excellent record at home in this season’s Champions League, though, winning all four games including 2-0 in the last round against Sevilla. Club Brugge are also the only opponent to score at the King Power in Europe this term.
Despite their success in this competition over the last three seasons it’s still rare for Atletico Madrid to be the favourites for a tie when we get to this stage. That’s the case against Leicester, though, and they have just about negotiated the first hurdle by winning without conceding an away goal. Simeone will have been delighted with that aspect but he may be a little annoyed that his team could not find that elusive second goal which would give them some more breathing space approaching the return match in England. Atleti have performed well on their travels in this year’s Champions League winning three of their four games. The only away defeat they have suffered came against Bayern in the group stage but they have shown more than enough to suggest that scoring an away goal on Tuesday is well within their capabilities.
Leicester City v Atletico Madrid Betting Tip
So much of Leicester’s success both last year and this year is when they are able to use their quick counter attacking style to great effect, whether at home or away. That usually relies on some naivety on the opposition’s behalf (which Sevilla were guilty of in the round of 16) which is probably going to be in short supply against an Atletico Madrid team who are as well drilled and disciplined as they come. The home team will not look to go for the goal they need from the outset, instead choosing to try and remain in the game for as long as possible and taking any chance that comes their way.
I thought Leicester done well to keep Atletico to one goal last week but I still firmly believe the outcome will be the same in this tie because of the extra quality that the Spaniards possess. I do not envisage many goals again on Tuesday but the away team will relish the occasions in the game where their opponents do try and go for a goal so back Atleti’s excellent defence to hold out and for them to finish the job by winning again.
Atletico Madrid 23/20 @ Betfair
