Mourinho to come up short as Atletico “out-Chelsea” the Blues
Published:The two conflicting styles of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid produced an exciting encounter in the first Champions League semi-final, but what will happen when sides who share the same philosophies meet in the second?
Under 2.5 goals is the guaranteed outcome as Chelsea entertain the like-minded Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge. A bet that should be lumped on at 11/20.
The writing is on the wall following the Blues’ rearguard action at the Vicente Calderon stadium, where a 0-0 stalemate leaves sides with an equal 10/11 chance of qualification.
Both sides prefer the counter-attacking style that saw Real Madrid book their place in the final at the expense of Bayern Munich, and as a result little goal-mouth action is expected.
In their last seven Champions League matches, both sides have seen the total number of goals fall below the 2.5 mark six times.
Having failed to successfully nab an away goal using that method in Spain, Chelsea must now take their turn, as hosts, at setting the attacking impetus.
How successful they’ll be is going to be limited though, as Diego Simeone’s La Liga hopefuls have kept a clean sheet in six straight matches coming into the clash.
Chelsea have only failed to hit the back of the net in one game in any competition this term, but they weren’t dealing with quite the same level of squad unavailability as they currently encounter.
With so many players injured, doubtful or suspended for the match, it would perhaps be wise to back the visitors to win the game at 12/5 considering they are almost at full strength with only Gabi unavailable.
Atletico’s love of defending makes their odds of 21/10 for a clean sheet extremely appealing, while the 19/5 on a win to nil is also a punt worthy of consideration before kick off.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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