Introduction
Inter’s Champion League quest for another UCL glory since 2010 returns next Tuesday night when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Giuseppe Meaza. They were within inches of claiming the UCL title by reaching the final last season, but Man City thwarted their plan.
Inter has launched their campaign excellently this season by finishing 2nd in group D, leveling on points with Real Sociedad without losing a match. Visitors Atletico Madrid also made it through by winning Group E.
About the game
For Inter, the 2022-23 Champions League campaign was a rollercoaster ride. They defied expectations by reaching the final, showcasing grit and tactical nous with the brilliance of key players like Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella. However, the final step proved too high, as Pep Guardiola’s City machine edged them out.
This season, Inter enters the knockout stages with a renewed sense of purpose. Finishing second in a tough Group D, level on points with Real Sociedad, and remaining unbeaten throughout speaks volumes about their resilience and tactical solidity under Simone Inzaghi. The addition of Marcus Thuram to spearhead the attack after the exit of Lukaku adds another dimension to their offense, promising explosive counter-attacks and box dominance.
Inter, having reached the Champions League final last season, are vying for a fourth title. Surprisingly, despite frequent deep runs for both teams in the UCL, this marks the first encounter between Inter and Atletico in the tournament. Inter boasts better current form yet drew three group games. Despite domestic struggles in the La Liga, Atletico topped a challenging group, winning four and drawing two of six matches, defeating teams like Lazio, Feyenoord, and Celtic. As they clash in the Champions League, both teams bring unique strengths and histories, setting the stage for an intriguing battle for supremacy.
Contrastingly, Atletico Madrid faced a less favorable outcome last year, bowing out early in the group stage. Despite their remarkable history in the Champions League, having been finalists three times, most recently in 2014 and 2016, they’ve yet to clinch the UCL title. This poor outing in the final makes them the team with the most final defeats without winning the title.
However, they’ve started their European campaign strongly this season, leading group E without tasting a defeat. This impending showdown unfolds as a clash between two European powerhouses, hinting at the potential for an early exit for one of these football giants in the Champions League.
Recent struggles have seen Atletico fail to find the net in their last two matches across various competitions, raising questions about their offensive prowess as they enter this crucial encounter against Inter. The stage is set for a riveting contest, blending historical narratives with current form to pursue European glory.
The Best Betting Odds for Inter vs Atletico Madrid
Conclusion
In the upcoming match, predicting the overall outcome is challenging, but in the first leg, Inter holds the upper hand with strong home form. They are favored with just two home losses this season and an unbeaten record in the Champions League group stage. On the flip side, Atletico Madrid arrives in Italy with a three-game winless streak, having lost 1-0 to Athletic Club and Sevilla and drawing 1-1 against Real Madrid.
Samuel Okunsolawo is an iGaming expert with over six years of experience in content writing. His passion for simplifying complex concepts makes his articles accessible and useful for beginners and experts alike. With a focus on sports betting trends and reliable betting sites, Samuel’s articles are an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and staying up to date in the world of iGaming.