Atletico Madrid v Barcelona: It’s the late show with Lionel Messi

After picking up a 1-0 win at the Camp Nou last week, Barcelona head to the Vicente Calderon hoping to complete the job against an Atletico Madrid side that boasts a good recent record against the Catalans on their own turf.

Barca can be backed at an unappealing 2/13 to progress with Ladbrokes while Atleti are offered at 4/1 with the bookmaker to continue their Copa del Rey adventure.

But in a competition that has already sprung up plenty of surprises – a good performance from Fernando Torres in the last round for instance – it could pay to think outside the box.

Here are three tips to keep a look out for and there’s not a hint of the ex-Chelsea man about them.

Atletico Madrid to win in 90 minutes @ 11/5

There was little to separate these two at the Camp Nou last time out, so it’s somewhat surprising to see Atleti available at such a tempting price to win in 90 minutes, particularly when you take a closer look at their recent record at home against the Catalans.

Barcelona have failed to win in each of their last three visits to the Vicente Calderon, with the Rojiblancos winning the last meeting between the two sides on their own turf and after beating Real Madrid at home in the last round they look a great price to do the same here.

Lionel Messi to score last @ 4/1

It may be an entirely tired and well-worn prediction to pick the Argentine out to score in any game for Barca but before you slate us as the laziest tipsters in the land, just hear us out.

In the previous two meetings between the teams this season the South American has scored the last goal of the game and is rampant form, netting eight times in his last five outings.

Atletico Madrid to keep a clean sheet in first half @ 5/6

Now, for all the fanfare I just made about Messi finding the net this Wednesday, it’s also important to note the fine defensive efforts of Atletico against their La Liga rivals of late.

In fact, Barca have failed to find the net in each of their last five visits to the Vicente Calderon and took 85 minutes to get on the scoresheet the last time these two met with the goal coming from the penalty spot. A first-half shutout looks a solid pick.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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