Football betting: Simeone’s solid Atletico to frustrate Real in all-Madrid Champions League final
Milan plays host to a Madrid invasion as Europe’s premier club competition reaches its climax on Saturday.
Just as in 2014, Atletico and Real Madrid meet in the Champions League final, with the prize of the famous trophy for the victors.
Real won that final two years ago and are the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
They lifted the big eared trophy for the 10th time – La Decima – with a 4-1 win after extra time over their city rivals in Lisbon.
Atletico, on the other hand, have never won the European Cup, having been denied by late equalisers in both of their previous finals.
In 1974 it took a 120th-minute goal by Bayern Munich to take them to a replay, which they lost 4-0.
Sergio Ramos scored in stoppage time two years ago to force extra time, where Real overran their demoralised neighbours with three more goals.
Diego Simeone’s men have built a reputation for being one of the hardest teams to play in the competition, with a resolute defence (they conceded just 18 goals in 38 La Liga games this season) and a lightning quick counter attack.
That attack is spearheaded by Antoine Griezmann, who has seven goals in 12 Champions League games this term.
He is complemented by Fernando Torres, who is not far off the form Liverpool fans knew in his first few years at Anfield.
Those numbers pale into insignificance next to Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo however.
He has 16 goals in 11 Champions League matches this term – and 51 in all competitions.
However, doubts remain over his fitness, and his record against Atletico isn’t great – finding the net just twice in their last seven meetings.
While Real have the stars, Atletico are nigh-on impossible to break down, as Barcelona and Bayern Munich found in the last two rounds.
It is 21/20 for a draw after 90 minutes with Betway, and I think this is a real possibility.
Matches between these two are a game of chess with neither willing to give anything away – last year’s quarter-final clash saw just one goal over 180 minutes of play.
If I had to stick my neck out, I’d plump for Atletico to lift the trophy at 11/10 with Betway.
I’d be amazed if this was a goalfest.
Spread bettors should sell total goals at 2.1 with Sporting Index.
Pointers
Draw after 90 mins 21/20 (Betway)
Atletico to lift the trophy 11/10 (Betway)
Sell total goals 2.1 (Sporting Index)