Champions League Group D - Atletico Madrid vs. Marseille

Atletico Madrid, winners in the opening round against PSV Eindhoven, will host Marseille on Matchday 2 of Champions League Group action. Atletico is sure to enjoy an excited reception from their supporters after their successful opening bid against the Dutch and a second win would give them a strong chance of advancing into the knockout stage. Marseille fell to Liverpool FC in their home opener and now with an away match in Spain to contend with, another setback would leave their Champions League campaign in serious doubt.

BetUS Champions League Soccer Betting Line:

Match Day 2: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Wednesday October 1, 2008

Home Team: Atletico Madrid

Spread: -1 +125

Money Line: -160

Total 2½ O -110 U -110

Team Total: 2 O -110 U -120

Draw +260

Away Team: Olympique de Marseille

Spread: +1 -145

Money Line: +470

Total: 2½ O -110 U -110

Team Total: 2 O -110 U -120

Draw +260

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Atletico (-160) The Vincente Calderon have a huge edge playing before loyal supporters at home and with good chance of making it two in a row it is no surprise they are firmly favoured by BetUS bookies. Atletico returned to European competition after an 11-year exile in style. Beating PSV Eindhoven with a convincing 3:0 score in Holland, Atletico enters matchday 2 with confidence to spare. Atletico likes to score goals – on the home front, they won three of their four home games this season with a 4:0 score.

Marseille (+470) Marseille opening loss at home against Liverpool FC leaves them with their backs firmly against the wall. Heading to Spain for the second match of Champions League group action makes their bid for a positive outcome that much more difficult as they will face a confident Spanish side before a partisan crowd. The odds are against them. That being said, Marseille is a quality team. After their positive start to their domestic campaign in Ligue 1, everyone expected a much better showing in their Champions League opener. They have tremendous attacking potential.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Marseille has to win this match if they want to keep their campaign alive. But the odds are against them. They would be lucky to get the draw even as Atletico is confident after their opening victory and they will try to carry the momentum into this match to another victory. The Calderon have home edge so on the money line (-160) they are the better play for the win. Both teams play attacking football and so I would expect many goals. Take the Over 2.5 goals -110.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room