Champions League Betting Group D: Atletico Madrid vs. Chelsea FC
by Nila Amerova
Chelsea FC made a fine statement of intent in Champions League when they beat Atletico Madrid 4:0 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. Now as they get set for the returning leg of their tie against Atletico, coach Ancelotti will be looking for much of the same of his Blues. Meanwhile, all bets are off for Atletico Madrid in Champions League as the Spanish outfit are rock bottom in Group D, on one point after three cycles and five points adrift of second placed Porto.
It is more likely than not too late for Atletico Madrid in Champions League but they can still salvage their European campaign with a third place finish and a spot in Europa League. For that to materialize however, surely winning matches is vital. Well, new coach Quique Sanchez Flores promises to start on that endeavour by going for broke against Group D leaders Chelsea on Tuesday, who will be looking to clinch top spot with a victory on matchday 4.
Soccer Betting Line:
Atletico Madrid +½ Ev +330 2½ O -105 U -115 1 O +110 U -130 Draw +235
Chelsea -½ -120 -120 2½ O -105 U -115 1½ O Ev U -120 Draw +235
Venue: Vicente Calderón - Madrid - Spain
Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time Tuesday November 3, 2009
Soccer Betting Verdict: Atletico Madrid have had both their domestic and European campaigns slip through their fingers in the early season and sacking Abel Resino was a direct response to the club’s two-punch disappointment. Quique Sanchez Flores has been brought in to salvage whatever is left of the European campaign and get the club back on track in Primera – though the former offers little reward it is the imminent challenge on his schedule.
Instilling confidence in his side after only a two-week distance from the time when they were hammered 4:0 at Stamford Bridge will be no mean feat. It doesn’t help his men are after a 1:0 loss in a meek effort against Athletico Bilbao in Primera. Allowances have to be made for adjusting to a new coach and it will be probably take more time than they have to find their form and confidence. Atletico also need to solve the scoring deadlock plaguing them in Champions League.
Chelsea have been simply impressive this season on all fronts – winning already 15 matches and losing only two – Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa. The Blues have taken to Ancelotti rather well. They have also taken a shine to his formation. The way they are playing right now, nobody would be surprised to see them negotiate a path to a third consecutive Champions League final, even win the whole thing.
It would be too much to expect Atletico to show massive improvements in such a short space of time, especially against a side as confident and on form as Chelsea. Therefore, Chelsea to win outright is the smart play. Surprisingly they are rather modestly tipped at -120, which makes the bet even more worth the risk. Add the Over 1.5 goals at Evens and you have a nice, two-punch bet on Chelsea that is sure to pay dividends.
Atletico are “on paper” a much better side than their results indicate, but as results are what count the most they cannot be ignored. It would be a long shot bet to back Atletico to win outright. Rather a shame to waste such tempting odds, I know, but that is the wise thing to do.
Soccer bettors wanting to back Atletico might consider throwing caution to the wind and taking the +330 odds for the outright win but given their struggles it would be much better to bank on the Spanish outfit finally breaking the scoring deadlock at the Over 1 +110. In that case, as well, one might bet on the combined totals at Over 2.5 goals -105 because high-flying Chelsea are sure to respond to anything Athletico might ask on the pitch.
