The Champions League returns this week and one of the most intriguing matches is in Group C between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. Atletico Madrid have an excellent recent record in the Champions League and although they have not won the competition, have finished runners-up twice in the last four seasons. Last season Atletico Madrid reached the semi-final of the competition before being knocked out by eventual winners Real Madrid. Chelsea are the last British club to win the Champions League having done so in 2011/12. They did not participate in the competition last season and will be happy to be back on the big stage.
Atletico Madrid Form
Atletico Madrid started their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw in Roma. On the face of it this is a decent result but Atletico Madrid will feel they should have taken maximum points and may come to regret not taking their chances. However, they are unbeaten this season, having won 4 and drawn 3 of their 7 games in all competitions. Having been held 0-0 in Rome, Atletico Madrid responded with 3 straight wins in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid are known to be a tough team to break down under Diego Simeone and have conceded only 2 goals in their last 6 games, keeping 4 clean sheets. At home in the Champions League, Atletico Madrid have won 10 of their last 11 games, including a penalty win over PSV.
Chelsea Form
This match will be a real test for Chelsea having come through their first match at home against Qarabag with ease. The 6-0 win was a good result but both Atletico Madrid and Roma will expect to pick up points against this team. Chelsea make the trip to Spain having defeated Stoke City 4-0 away from home in the Premier League. This was an excellent result for Chelsea, in what had the makings of being a tough game.
Having suffered a shock defeat to Burnley on the opening day of the season, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 7 games with good wins over Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Leicester City. However, away from home Chelsea have won only 3 of their last 12 games in the Champions League but did pick up a 0-0 draw the last time the teams met in Madrid, which was back in 2014.
Team News
Atletico Madrid should be close to full strength for this game with Hector Hernandez and Augusto Matias Fernandez the only doubts for the home team. Chelsea are without the injured Danny Drinkwater and Antonio Conte will be hoping both Thibaut Courtois and David Luiz are fit.
Top Betting Tips
This has the makings of being a very tight game, with the home advantage being the one thing which could sway things in favour of Atletico Madrid. You can get 23/20 with Ladbrokes for Atletico Madrid to win the match. If the home side are to win the game, it will not be by a big margin and PaddyPower offer 13/5 for Atletico Madrid to win by 1 goal. Given the defensive record of Atletico Madrid and the type of match this could be, goals may be at a premium. Both teams to score no is 4/5 at BetVictor.