Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid host Bundesliga champions Leverkusen in a crucial Round 7 Champions League showdown. Leverkusen sit fourth in the standings, seven spots above Atletico, but with only a one-point difference between them.
Atletico come into this clash on the back of three consecutive victories, including a win over Slovan, boosting their hopes of breaking into the top eight. Meanwhile, Leverkusen delivered a statement victory by handing Inter their first tournament defeat in the previous round.
Who will emerge victorious in this thrilling encounter? Let’s dive into the preview and share key betting insights.
Atletico Madrid – Bayern Leverkusen Head-to-Head Analysis
| General Details | Atletico Madrid Lineup (Predicted) | Bayern Leverkusen Lineup (Predicted) |
|---|---|---|
| Date: 21/1/2025 Time: 21:00 Stadium: Civitas metropolitano Where to watch: Supersport 204, StarTimes App, DStv Now, GOtv | Jan Oblak Marcos Llorente Robin Le Normand Clément Lenglet Javi Galán Giuliano Simeone Rodrigo de Paul Pablo Barrios Conor Gallagher Antoine Griezmann Juliian Álvarez | Lukáš Hrádecký Nordi Mukiele Jonathan Tah Edmond Tapsoba Piero Hincapié Exequiel Palacios Granit Xhaka Jeremie Frimpong Florian Wirtz Álex Grimaldo Patrik Schick |
Historic Performances
To truly understand this matchup, we need to delve into their past history. Let’s analyze their previous encounters to gain valuable insights into the potential outcome.
Recent Encounters
A review of the last five encounters between Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen across all competitions highlights a closely fought rivalry. Atlético have managed one win, while Leverkusen claimed two victories, with the other two matches ending in draws. This balanced history sets the stage for a potentially tight and unpredictable showdown.
Their most recent meeting ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, underscoring the competitive nature of this fixture. This result aligns with our expectations for another evenly matched contest, where both sides might once again settle for a share of the spoils.
Key Factors Influencing the Match
Let’s now see how both teams are shaping up. We’ll identify the game-changers who could sway the match in their team’s favor. This analysis will help us predict the final outcome.
Previous Match
Atlético Madrid are currently enjoying their best-ever form, with 15 consecutive victories across all competitions. Simeone’s side recently thrashed Elche 4-0 in the Copa del Rey to reach the quarterfinals and have won their last eight La Liga games. Sitting atop the La Liga table, they lead Real Madrid by one point and Barcelona by six.
They also boast a formidable defense with just 12 goals conceded in 19 matches. In the Champions League, they’ve revived their campaign with three consecutive wins. This include a crucial 3-1 victory over Slovan which elevates them to 11th in the league phase and just a point behind 4th-placed Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen, reigning Bundesliga champions, are in excellent form, securing five straight wins across all competitions. They’ve amassed 13 points in the Champions League to sit 4th after defeating Inter Milan and breaking their unbeaten record in the last round.
With a balanced record of 12 goals scored and 5 conceded, Leverkusen combine offensive prowess with defensive resilience. Both teams bring momentum, setting up a high-stakes clash.
Players
Antoine Griezmann remains Atlético Madrid’s key figure, orchestrating the team’s attack with precision. With 12 goals and six assists in 27 matches, he has been vital in both scoring and playmaking. He has persistently proven indispensable to Simeone’s system. Apart from José Giménez’s continued absence through injury, Atlético are in excellent shape ahead of this clash.
For Bayer Leverkusen, Patrik Schick has been in great form recently. The striker has netted six goals in his last two Bundesliga games, including a decisive brace against Dortmund. Boasting a remarkable scoring frequency of one goal every 52 minutes, Schick is poised to make a significant impact.
Leverkusen, however, face defensive challenges with Jeanuel Belocian ruled out until September and Jonathan Tah doubtful due to illness. If Tah remains unavailable, Nordi Mukiele may join Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié in defense. With key forwards Amine Adli and Victor Boniface sidelined, Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz are expected to support Schick in attack.
Home Advantage
Atlético Madrid boasts a strong home record in the competition, with two wins and one defeat. This shows that the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is a formidable stronghold for the Spanish giant. On the other hand, Leverkusen’s away performances, featuring one win, one draw, and one defeat, highlight their ability to achieve favorable outcomes on the road.
Betting Tips
After analyzing how both team are shaping up for this clash, check below for our betting tips for Nigerian Bettors to wager on the Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen game:
Betting Odds
Check below for the latest odds for the game according to bookies ratings for victory, defeat, or a draw:
Atletico Madrid to Win – 2.55 | Draw – 3.25 | Leverkusen to Win – 2.70
Bookies slightly favored Atletico to win, while the away side are considered an underdog marginally. The probability for that match to result in a draw is at 31%. Atletico Madrid’s home advantage and recent momentum can only be met with sheer steel from the Bundesliga Champion. So we expect a hard fought battle leading to a draw.
Final Thoughts on the Match
Both teams come into this clash in red-hot form, each riding a five-game winning streak across all competitions. Their head-to-head history and current form point to an evenly matched contest, making a draw a likely outcome. Always gamble responsibly, and visit our website for more insightful predictions.
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.