Atletico Madrid and Juventus are no strangers to playing each other in European competition in recent years; the pair met in the round-of-16 last season. On that occasion, Atletico took the first-leg by a score of 2-0. Given that Diego Simeone’s team are one of the best defensive units in recent decades, one would have guessed that the second-leg was merely a formality. But such a view didn’t factor in the hunger and Champions League specialism of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese scored a hat trick as he lead his new team to the quarter-finals of the competition.
But after that, the Turin side’s passage was not so smooth. In the quarter-finals, they were beaten by an absolutely superb Ajax side. It’s no secret that Juve are absolutely desperate to win the Champions League – in fact, the reason they spent so much money on Ronaldo was for him to help them towards this goal. Their performance in the competition was underwhelming but Juve have more than enough quality in their squad to challenge for Europe’s premier prize again this season.
In the league, they have started reasonably well but have not been at their sensational best. Up until last weekend, they had a 100% record – a figure which included the 4-3 victory over title challengers Napoli. But on Saturday they were held to a draw by an exciting Fiorentina side.
With a new manager – Maurizio Sarri – at the helm, they are hoping to become an all-conquering side this season and based on current form they are not quite there yet. Atletico will be a stern test for the Old Lady.
As for Atletico, they too until last weekend had a 100% record. But, again on Saturday, they dropped points – in fact, they were convincingly beaten 2-0 by Real Sociedad. But all the signs are that Diego Simeone’s are on a steep upward trajectory. They recruited excellently in summer; they added the likes of Joao Felix and Kieran Trippier as well as offloading several players who were taking up big wage space. For the first time in quite a few years, their aim is to mount a genuine title challenge to Barcelona and Real Madrid. Like Liverpool, it is unclear how much, if at all, this will affect their performance in the Champions League.
This match-up should be a fascinating tactical battle
Juventus used to be the quintessential Italian side: paranoid, robust and technically sound. Now, with the hiring of Maurizio Sarri and the implementation of ‘Sarri Ball’, they are moving in a direction which
Tipsterz predictions and odds | Atletico Madrid vs Juventus
- Atletico Madrid to Win – 2.39
- Draw – 3.06
- Juventus to Win – 3.34
- Over 2.5 goals. Yes 2.49 | No 1.52
Tipsterz team prediction for Atletico Madrid vs Juventus is First Goal in 1st Half @ 1,57- You can bet on our prediction through 1xbit or 1xbet. All odds posted in this preview are taken from 1xbit / 1xbet. Odds are subject to change
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