Sparta Prague vs Atl. Madrid prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-25 17:45.
[p]Sparta Prague haven’t had things their own way in recent weeks, as a 1-1 draw on home soil against Teplice extended their winless run to three matches in their domestic league (D2, L1). Wedged in between that string of negative results also came a 2-1 home defeat to Brest in UEFA Champions League (UCL) action, a fixture that they would have been targeting to win given their difficult list of opponents that still await in this competition.[/p]
[p]That disappointing result leaves them with just four points after four matches in the UCL league phase (W1, D1, L2), a return which sees them enter this matchday sat outside the top 24 sides who will advance into the knockouts. More positive results are needed then to secure knockout football in the UCL main draw for the first time since the 2003/04 campaign. [/p]
[p]A return to winning ways for the hosts could be deemed to be a very tall order here though, as Atlético Madrid arrive in the Czech capital on the back of a 2-1 victory over Alavés in La Liga over the weekend. That made it five wins in succession for the visitors, with a stunning 2-1 success away from home against PSG during that run highlighting their ability to mix it with the best of the best on the UCL stage. [/p]
[p]There’s also plenty of other positive omens for Diego Simeone’s side heading into this fixture as they look to take another step in the right direction on the European stage. Amongst them is the fact that Atlético have found a way to fight back in this competition this term, taking six points from losing positions – the most of any side – which have twice been aided by winning goals on or beyond the 90th minute. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Sparta’s Lukáš Haraslín returned from injury with a goal at the weekend, with his side unbeaten during his last 14 goalscoring club appearances (W13, D1). Atlético’s Ángel Correa has proven himself to have fantastic impact off the bench, netting three of his four UCL goals after being substituted on, including the winner over PSG on matchday four.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Sparta Prague’s UCL fixtures this season – including qualifying – have averaged 3.2 goals.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]