I don’t really want to be opposing Barcelona in any football match but at the prices on Wednesday they must be taken on and this Champions League tie is fascinatingly poised.
The Catalan giants head to the Spanish capital on level terms with Atletico Madrid following a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou last week and this could very much go either way.
It is Atletico, of course, that currently head the La Liga standings and there has been no fluke whatsoever about their success this term.
Diego Simeone’s side were deserving of their parity from the first leg and their home form this term has been sensational at Vicente Calderon.
Unbeaten in the top flight all season, Atletico have also been perfect when hosting in this competition; smashing 13 Champions League goals in four comfortable victories in front of their adoring fans.
This will be the fifth time the pair have met this season and on each of the four previous encounters the two sides have been unable to be separated at full-time.
Barcelona landed the spoils in the Spanish Super Cup on away goals way back in August and both could be set for an almightily showdown on the final day of the season when they clash in La Liga.
That fixture on May 17 won’t be in the minds of the players on Wednesday however and home advantage could prove crucial.
It wasn’t long ago that Barcelona were losing back-to-back away games at Real Sociedad and Valladolid and it is just 10 wins in 19 on their travels.
That is not the strike rate one would expect from a group this talented and visiting manager Tito Martino is still seemingly unsure on his best XI.
One thing for certain is that Lionel Messi will feature but Atletico have plenty of match-wnners of their own and Madrid are certainly more robust defensively than their celebrated opponents, too.
Visiting sides have found the net just nine times in 17 Primera Division matches at the Calderon and Barca have their work cut-out.
I am surprised Barceona are such clear favourites and Atletico should be back in the To Qualify market. It might take all night, but they are value to get the job done and just might do so inside 90 minutes.
2pts Back Atletico Madrid To Qualify (vs. Barcelona) @ 5/4 (Bet 365)