AC Milan Vs Atletico Madrid
AC Milan Vs Atletico Madrid Tuesday 28 September, 2021 – 20:00 (BST)
UEFA Champions League
Pick: AC Milan Win
Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: WilliamHill
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 26 September 2021)
Preview: A first competitive meeting between the clubs since 2013/14, when the Spanish side prevailed home and away to progress from the Round of 16, sees AC Milan hosting Atletico Madrid at the San Siro. With neither getting off to a winning start, the outcome in Spain could have a significant bearing on which team kicks on in Group B.
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Table of Contents
AC Milan – Rossoneri ready to deliver at San Siro?
Seven years out of the Champions League spotlight hasn’t dimmed the Rossoneri’s inherent ability of rising to the occasion, the seven-time European Cup winners very nearly landing an early blow in their group opener away to Liverpool. Leading 2-1 at the interval, the Italian side would eventually succumb to the charms of a raucous Anfield as they went down 3-2 in England.
Stefano Pioli and his players will be determined to atone, and thus make up lost ground, second time out in Group B. Playing at the San Siro should aid them then. Milan boast three wins from as many home matches this season, scoring eight while conceding only once. The sight of Spanish guests is ominous, however. For the Rossoneri retain a wretched record in such meetings.
Failure to beat Real Betis home or away during the 2017/18 Europa League group stage means AC Milan are without a win against Spanish opposition in their previous seven attempts (D2 L5), having won only one of the past 17 (D7 L9). Results have picked up recently, though, collecting seven of nine points in Serie A, including a gritty 2-1 victory away to Spezia on Saturday that moved them provisionally top of the league.
Atletico Madrid – La Liga champs looking toothless?
Frustrated on their first outing in what many believe is the toughest section in this season’s group phase, Diego Simeone will know his team must improve if they are serious about extending their excellent qualifying record at this stage. Atletico Madrid have only ever not progressed out of their group on two occasions in eleven participations, finishing second on nine points behind Bayern Munich in 2020-21.
The performance in their 0-0 draw at home to FC Porto left a lot to be desired though. Across the 90 minutes, Atletico were easily second best, indebted to a combination of wasteful finishing from the Portuguese outfit and some extremely generous appliance of the laws from the Video Assistant Referee, who denied the visitors a potential late winner. The xG at full-time was damning: ATL 0.36 – 1.68 POR.
Disconcertingly, there hasn’t been much sign of progress thereafter. Saturday’s shock 1-0 La Liga defeat away to Alaves may have been their first of the campaign (W4 D3 previously) but does mean they haven’t found the back of the net in three of the past four matches – only doing so in a 2-1 win over bottom side Getafe. Furthermore, they have lost four of the last seven Champions League away games (W2 D1).
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AC Milan Vs Atletico Madrid Betting Advice
At the current prices, Atletico Madrid are a firm lay. Their performance against Porto in Spain on opening night was abysmal, failing to create a single chance of note and fortunate the Portuguese side didn’t convert any of their gilt-edged opportunities. In sharp contrast, Milan produced a brave and wholehearted display away to Liverpool – which was a much tougher fixture – and were a touch unlucky to lose.
AC Milan vs Atletico Madrid – Key Facts:
- Tuesday will bring up just the third ever meeting between the sides, with Atletico Madrid out to preserve a perfect record having won 1-0 on their sole visit to Milan in 2014.
- After Matchday 1, there were more positives for Milan in their 3-2 defeat at Liverpool than for Atletico Madrid in their 0-0 home draw with FC Porto.
- AC Milan boast three wins from three at the San Siro in 2021-22, scoring eight. Atletico Madrid won three of their four away matches this term (L1), but conceded in each.
Milan’s record versus Spanish sides is incredibly suspect, however, only managing one win from their past 17 such contests. Yet they are three wins from three at the San Siro this season, are clearly playing with more confidence in the attacking third of the pitch (14 goals in all comps, compared to the 9 of Atletico who’ve played a game more), and are facing a goal-shy Atletico Madrid.
Best Betting Odds – AC Milan Vs Atletico Madrid
AC Milan – 2/1 (WilliamHill)
Draw – 9/4 (BetVictor)
Atletico Madrid – 8/5 (Betfair)
