UEFA Champions League Preview and Betting Tips - Juventus vs Atletico Madrid

  • In Charles Meshell
  • Tue, Mar 12th, 2019 11:30:41 am
  • By Charles Meshell - ROI Capper


Prediction and betting tips for Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid, plus bonus picks for Manchester City vs. Schalke.


UEFA Champions League Preview

The finals legs of the round of 16 have finally arrived, and with so much on the line for each club involved, we should expect nothing more than top-class performances by all parties involved.

The opening day of fixtures provides us with plenty of intrigues, with both Juventus and Schalke fighting for their European lives, while Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have one foot in the quarterfinals door.


Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid
Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
TNT, Uni-Vision, SKY Sports
3-12-2019 - 4:00 pm ET - 9:00 pm GMT

The showcase event pits two of Europe's top clubs in a classic duel. The footballing community will have a close eye on this particular match-up, with plenty of storylines heading into Tuesday's contest, each club has the opportunity to occupy the ultimate spotlight.

Juventus start the match-day in an unfamiliar role. The seven-time defending Serie A champs are currently in a two-goal hole, after allowing their Spanish counterparts a multiple-goal advantage heading back to Turin.

Massimiliano Allegri understands the pressure of obtaining a UEFA title. The veteran manager has twice let his squad to the Champions League finals, only to be eliminated by multiple La Liga representatives.

Allegri's Main Weapon

The Italian's made a huge splash over the Summer with the signing on Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese striker was purchased for moments just like this, after being held scoreless in his return to Madrid, the five-time Champions League winner will carry a heavy burden to help lift his new team to the next round of competition.

Ronaldo seems to shine when the lights are the brightest, responsible for a record-breaking 121 Goals in 159 European appearances. The famed danger-man generally finds the back of the net in these type of situations.

The Old Lady will also lean on the contribution's of Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic in this particular spot. The combination has enjoyed their time partnered together within Allegri's 4-3-1-2 alignment, with Dybala placed in a more creative role behind Juve's main trigger-men, the young Argentine can influence the match in several different ways, using both his passing and finishing skills to keep opposing defenses off balance.

Mandzukic will undoubtedly enjoy the second leg against his former team, after being rested during Friday's domestic fixture, the instinctual forward should be fully prepared for Atletico's grip tight defense, always looking to use his unique poacher skills, do not be surprised to see Mandzukic on the end of a Juventus goal.

The hosts were able to rest an additional six players on Friday night, while Joao Cancelo and Miralem Pjanic served a one-match ban, giving the team plenty of fresh legs as the opening whistle arrives. 

Allegri will be without the services of Juan Cuadrado, Sami Khedira and Douglas Costa whom all picked up injuries ahead of this match, with Alex Sandro having accumulated multiple yellow cards, placing the Brazilian on the sidelines with a costly suspension. 

Juventus are fully capable of turning Atletico's two-goal cushion around. The La Liga side has struggled away from home, only able to win seven matches in all competitions, while the Old Lady come in having won 14 of the last 17 games played at the Allianz Stadium. 

Atletico Madrid is in a commanding position to finish off the Italian champs. "Los Rojiblancos" is known for being one of the stingiest defenses in the world, only conceding 29 goals over 39 matches in all competitions, the visitors feel confident they can frustrate Juve moving forward in attack. 

Diego Simeone is no stranger to high profile fixtures, Atleti's scrappy manager has been a centerpiece of European tournaments since taking over the coaching responsibilities in 2011, winning the Europa League twice, and taking his team to the Champions League finals on multiple occasions. 

Atletico's Distinct Style of Play 

Simeone has instilled a no-nonsense brand of football within the clubs DNA. The former midfielder is an accurate reflection of his team's style of play, frustrating their opponents with an attention to detail on the defensive side of the pitch, the Spaniards make their opponents earn every inch they gain. 

The guests are well equipped to find the back of the net when needed, led by World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, the French-man provides the club with a pure touch of class. Griezmann has accounted for 20 goals, and nine assists in all competitions, his all-around skill set with the ball at his feet leaves defenders helpless, giving Atleti an ace in the hole each time they step onto the pitch.

The Red and Whites have struggled to find a consistent partner to place alongside Griezmann, with Diego Costa struggling to stay on the field, Alvaro Morata was brought in during the winter transfer window to help pick up the goal scoring responsibilities. Morata has flourished since his return to Spain, after struggling to adapt to the English Premier League, the former Juventus man has produced three goals over his last three outings.

Simeone must address the teams overall injury concerns, with left backs Filipe Luis, and Lucas Hernandez both ruled out for Tuesday's match. The team will have a glaring weakness in that specific position, with Juanfran rumored to play in an unfamiliar role. 

The Madrid outfit will also be without the services of Thomas Partey who is serving a one-match ban. Partey offered additional stability on the backend, his athleticism and ability to recover quickly will be a key miss, with Juventus likely to stay on the front foot for much of this matchup. 

Atletico Madrid has been the gold standard for keeping clean sheets against Juventus, collecting three in a row, Atleti believes they have the blueprint for slowing the high powered Italian's down. 

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Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid - Match Prediction 

Juventus have there backs against the wall as match time arrives. The Old Lady must score a minimum of two goals to force extra-time, while keeping Atletico off the scoreboard.

Juve does have the firepower to pull off this feat. The hosts are averaging 2.2 goals per match in all competitions while at the Allianz Stadium, with a primarily rested squad, the home side is in a strong position to accomplish their goal. 

Team Prop 
Juventus - Total Corners Over 6.5  -125 / 1.8 

Atletico Madrid has the security of knowing they hold a two-goal advantage, but with critical injuries and suspensions, the La Liga side is an uncomfortable position, needing to hold off an entirely determined Juventus side will be a massive test over the course of 90 minutes. 

I expect one-way traffic from the Old Lady as the opening kick takes place, sending waves of attackers in search of the opening goal, I anticipate the Italians finding the back of the net before the halftime whistle, in route to a full-time victory in front of their home crowd.


Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid - Betting Tips 

Juventus - 1st Half  +140 / 2.4
Juventus - ML / Full-Time   -135 / 1.74 

Odds Provided By Bovada


UCL - Bonus Betting Tips

Manchester City vs. Schalke
Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
3-12-2019 - 4:00 pm ET - 9:00 pm GMT

Over 1.5  -105 / 1.95 - Total 1st Half Goals
Schalke - Total Bookings Over 2.5  -120 / 1.83
Manchester City - Team Total Over 2.5  -140 / 1.71 - Goals 

All Picks Verified Through Cappersenterprise on Twitter @Cappersentrprze


Daily Top Rated Soccer / European Football Picks Available @ PicksCity.com


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