UEFA Champions League Action Continues This Week
UEFA Champions League action continues this week, and the spotlight is on a huge clash between Inter and Atletico Madrid in the round-of-16. This match promises high stakes as both teams vie for a crucial advantage in the first leg at the San Siro.
Numbers behind Inter’s red hot run
Inter have been the team to beat in Serie A this season and enter this week’s clash as one of Europe’s best performing sides. Last season’s runners up are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions, and have only tasted defeat once in the league, as they’ve opened a nine point gap atop the standings after 25 matchdays. Incredibly, they’ve only lost once in their last 13 Champions League contests as well, coming in last season’s final to Manchester City. Key to their form has been star striker Lautaro Martinez, who has 23 goals in all competitions this season.
Atletico’s road woes
Atletico will be looking to turn around their inconsistent run of form, which has seen them be formidable at home, but wobbly away from the Metropolitano. Diego Simeone’s side have only won four times in the league away from home, a fair contrast to their 12 wins and one draw home record, which is the best in Spain. Conversely, their opponents, Inter, have only lost once at home in the league this season.
Match Dynamics
This is set to be a fascinating matchup between two times whose best football comes in moments of transition. Atletico have been the masters of mustering results in the Champions League during the Simeone era, but take on an Inter team that is playing at a level not seen since the halcyon days of the late 00s under Jose Mourinho.
What Fans Can Expect
Fans can anticipate a super physical contest, with neither side taking a backwards step throughout the 90 minutes. Inter will be hoping to get the all important advantage heading back to Madrid, so expect them to go for the kill early, while Atletico would presumably be happy with the tie firmly in play heading into the second leg.
For those following the action and looking for the latest betting insights, the Victorian Bookmakers Association (VBA) offers up-to-date odds. Whether supporting the seasoned champions or the ambitious underdogs, VBA provides everything fans need to enhance their Champions League experience.