Atl. Madrid vs Lille prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-10-22 19:00.
[p]Atlético Madrid are looking for a response on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) after suffering their joint-heaviest defeat in competition history against Benfica last time out (4-0). While that result was alarming, it’s the only loss the Mattress Makers have suffered in all competitions this term (W6, D5), so getting back on the winning trail here looks a distinct possibility.[/p]
[p]The omens are certainly good ahead of this clash with Lille, as Atleti have lost just one of their previous 15 European meetings with French opposition (W9, D5). Anything other than adding a tenth win on home soil certainly seems unlikely too given that Diego Simeone’s men have won six UCL home games in a row, though never previously have they managed seven in competition history![/p]
[p]While Atlético were put to the sword by Benfica on matchday two, Lille conquered the European champions by beating Real Madrid (1-0). A famous victory was the perfect response to defeat against Sporting CP in their UCL opener for Bruno Génésio’s men, who are unbeaten in five outings since that reverse to the Portuguese club (W3, D2).[/p]
[p]The Mastiffs will firmly believe they can stretch that unbeaten run as they have now won four of their previous five UCL group stage/league phase games (L1) – as many victories as they managed in their previous 29 such matches. Yet concerns remain on the road where Lille have been beaten in six of their previous eight UCL fixtures (W2), and a return of just one win from their previous five away H2Hs against Spanish opposition (W1, D1) suggest they should approach with caution here.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Atleti stalwart Antoine Griezmann has directly contributed to 49 goals in the UCL (G37, A12), and looks primed to reach a half-century as he’s either scored or assisted in each of his last seven UCL home matches (G6, A3). Lille midfielder Angel Gomes was sent off on matchday one, but returns here looking to strike late again as each of his last seven club goals have arrived after half-time.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: AtlĂ©tico have conceded four times in two of their previous three UCL matches – as many times as in their previous 83![/p]
[p][i]Written by Ryan Fisher[/i][/p]