Champions League is back! The world’s most prestigious club competition has finally entered its knockout stage. We’ve already gone through three ro16 matchdays, witnessing extraordinary action across the old continent.
We’re here to discuss one of the two final ro16 first-leg contests. Yessir, as the title implies, we’re here for Atalanta vs. Real Madrid betting predictions! A splendid clash between Italian underdogs and Real Madrid’s heavy machinery.
At the first glance, Real Madrid look like the heavy favorites. However, soccer betting sites across the globe favor the Italians. How come? Is it the home-court advantage; I thought that’s no longer a thing?
Oh boy, seems like we have a lot of work on our hands here. Let’s begin with some handy dandy soccer betting tips!
Soccer Betting Online in 2021 | Three Important Tips
Choose Your Bookie Wisely
First things first – if you’re going to bet on soccer online, you have to do it the right way. And what’s the right way, you may ask. Well, it’s all about finding the right online betting platform.
If you’re too lazy to do all the research on your own, click the bolded text above and we’ll take you to an in-depth guide of the best online platforms for betting on soccer!
Exploit Soccer Betting Bonuses
For everyone who’s just starting out, this is a must-do! If you don’t have a go-to bookmaker yet, hop over to the above-mentioned guide and pick the bookie you like the most. You’ll notice it has a welcome bonus equal to a percentage of your initial deposit. You like the sound of that? Feel free to join a few more bookies and snatch welcome bonuses too. It does require a bit of initial investment, but it’s a good way of countering your bets and ensuring you always have funds to bet with!
Home Turf Advantage Still Exists
Even though most soccer matches these days are played behind closed doors, home turf advantage still exists! Not every pitch has the same height of grass, the same pitch dimensions, the same dressing rooms, etc. And despite these factors seeming irrelevant for actual gameplay, they do matter. They have a psychological impact on the players, and it does show!
Atalanta vs. Real Madrid Betting Predictions
Let’s get down to business; let’s start the Atalanta vs. Real Madrid betting discussion!
Once again, online soccer bookies have Atalanta as the slight favorites. Here’s a quick look at the odds, courtesy of BetOnline:
- Atalanta to win +138
- Real Madrid to win +196
- Draw +255
Check out our BetOnline Review here!
Real Madrid Keep Improving
Real Madrid didn’t have a perfect start this year. They lost against Alcoyano in Copa del Rey, and against Ath. Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup. Add to that a draw and a defeat in La Liga in a month’s span, and you’ll understand their problems.
Three out of those four wins came with clean sheets, and that’s something Atalanta will have to be careful with.
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Real Madrid’s key players might not belong in the back four, but they’re definitely the reason why they’re not conceding many goals. I’m talking about the defensive-minded brilliance known as Casemiro, coupled with two midfield maestros in Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.
UPDATE – Karim Benzema will not play against Atalanta tomorrow. He’s not the only one! The list of injured Real Madrid players is a hefty one. Carvajal, Hazard, Marcelo, Militao, Ramos, just to name a few more. Zinedine Zidane has plenty of injury issues, and that ought to reflect on tomorrow’s match. Heck, that’s why the bookies favor Atalanta. RM’s injury list has a massive impact on our Atalanta vs. Real Madrid betting predictions, that’s for sure!
Atalanta Aiming for a Massive Upset
Domestically, Atalanta aren’t doing that well. They’re in the fifth spot at the moment, one point away from a spot in the Champions League next season. Home games seem to be their weak point this season; they’re third in overall points won in the last ten away matches.
He can score (seven goals at the moment), he can assist (four assists thus far), and he’s well-capable in terms of controlling the space and dictating the tempo.
Luis Muriel is the in-form striker that’s bound to cause plenty of problems for Real Madrid’s defensive line. He’s scored fourteen goals this season, coupling it with four assists and three man-of-the-match awards. The 29-year-old Columbian is going to put one past Courtois, that I can tell you right away!
Atalanta’s attack is not what’s going to decide’s tomorrow’s match.
Cristian Romero and Marten de Roon will have to rise up for the occasion and put up a gladiator fight against Madrid’s attack. Remember, Karim Benzema is out of the equation, meaning the Italians might succeed after all… at least in the first leg!
With all that in mind, let’s get to the concrete picks:
Yep, we’re going in with a risky-bet here. Atalanta to win and both teams to score at +300 is top-notch value! The Italians are the second-best goalscoring team in Serie A, they’re playing at home, and are already eyeing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid’s injuries ought to get the better of them tomorrow… but I do believe they’ll fix things in the second leg, assuming they get some of their key players back, of course.
Other Soccer Betting Opportunities This Week
Atalanta vs. Real Madrid tips are sweet, that’s for sure, but there are other valuable soccer betting opportunities too. European club competitions, both Europa and Champions League, have entered the knockout stage. Outstanding elimination clashes span left and right. No worries, we’ve picked two great entries for you:
- Monchengladbach vs. Manchester City is an interesting matchup. It’s the second Champions League clash tomorrow, playing at the exact same time as Atalanta vs. Real Madrid. Pep’s City is coming into this match as the heavy favorite! They are unstoppable in the Premier League and are looking for more of the same in the CL too. If you’re looking for accumulator entries, City to win should be on your radar!
Arsenal vs. Benfica brings forth thrilling Europa League action this Thursday. The first match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Arsenal pulling away with an important away goal. I expect a hard-fought contest here. Benfica not only has a couple of outstanding players but an impressive collective mentality too.
They aren’t doing that well domestically but will be hoping for an upset against the Gunners.
But, I also don’t think Arsenal will necessarily get a win. A 0:0 draw is just what they need, so I’d opt for Arsenal to go through if I were you.
We’re all done, ladies and gentlemen!
Fingers crossed Gosens and the company deliver tomorrow.
