Atletico Madrid take on the visitors Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. The match will be played on Wednesday, April 10th at Metropolitano Stadium (Madrid).
Atlético have truly improved only in this tournament. The Mattress Makers are having a rather challenging season, especially in its second half. They had a trip to the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, which ended in a defeat in the very first match against Real. Yes, it was only in extra time, and upon returning home, Diego Simeone and his wards immediately took revenge in the cup derby, following the same scenario. Then, for the first time in several years, they reached the Copa del Rey semifinals, only to lose twice to Athletic. Moreover, with the help of Girona, the Basques are pushing not some unfamiliar capital giant or a top-4 team in La Liga, which threatens their start in the next Champions League campaign! However, they are truly strong in this tournament. After being unsuccessful in the previous cycle (4th place in a simple group), this time the Spaniards won their group. Then, despite losing in Milan, they knocked out Inter in the round of 16. And Oblak won the penalty shootout against an opponent like Sommer!
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Borussia Dortmund resemble their opponent in status in the Bundesliga. Historically a giant, they have noticeably declined this season. Yes, it was disappointing last spring to miss out on the long-awaited silver salad bowl due to a draw in the final round with an unmotivated Mainz. But now, Terzic's wards are only fighting for 4th place with RB Leipzig – unexpectedly, Bayer and Stuttgart are comfortably ahead. But, of course, they want to prove themselves in the Champions League as well. There, the Germans, like Atlético, won their group, firstly, in a dispute with PSG, Milan, and Newcastle, secondly, despite not the best start, and thirdly, managed to secure the right to play in the playoffs ahead of schedule. Their first opponent was quite manageable – PSV. And they defeated the leader of this season in Dutch football canonically: a draw away, in Eindhoven, and a calm victory at home.
In 1996 and 2018, the sides met in the Champions League, but in the group stage. Then they pragmatically exchanged victories. Now we expect a victory for Cholo's Team, playing at their home ground. But both sides are unlikely to take risks, understanding that the return leg will decide everything. Let's bet on under 2.5 goals in total.
Prediction for the match: Under 2.5 scored goals.
