Atletico Madrid vs Sporting CP
UEFA Europa League
Date: Thursday, 5 April 2018
Kick-Off at 20:05 UK
Venue: Estadio Wanda Metropolitano (Madrid).
Atletico Madrid showed class in drubbing of Lokomotiv Moscow in both of their last 16 round legs. They will be massive favourites to do just about the same against Sporting Lisbon in two following quarterfinal ties.
The Lions did have a decent campaign in the group phase of the Champions League where they were a tough nut to crack for both Barcelona and Juventus. Nonetheless, they seem to have been in a much better shape beforehand in general. Jorge Jesus’s side look to be struggling with the right form in the final quarter of the season.
The visitors dropped out of the battle for the title in their domestic league after the weekend’s 1-0 loss to Sporting Braga. They’ve almost allowed Viktoria Plzen to advance in the previous round of Europa League in spite of winning the first leg 2-0 at Estadio Jose Alvalade as well. The Lions needed an extra-time goal in the rematch in Czech Republic to book their place in the last eight of the competition.
Atletico are thus massive favourites ahead of this tie. Diego Simeone will have his man star Antoine Griezmann back in the squad after the Frenchman skipped Sunday’s narrow 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga. The Mattressers have already shown high ambitions in this competition and they are currently no doubts the main favourites to go all the way.
Atletico Madrid vs Sporting CP: Head-to-head
These two likes took on each other in the last 16 round of Europa League eight years ago.
There was no winner in any of two legs, but Atleti went through thanks to the away goal rule after playing a 2-2 draw at Jose Alvalade.
Interestingly, the Mattressers went on to lift the trophy beating English Fulham 2-1 in the final later on.
Atletico Madrid vs Sporting CP: Prediction
This should be a one-sided affair from the very first whistle and we’d be very surprised to see Sporting avoiding a defeat by two or more goals at Wanda Metropolitano.
Atleti have a rock-solid defensive line, they are masters of playing two-leg knockout matches, and we doubt they’ll concede a goal in front of their fans here.
Atletico Madrid vs Sporting CP: Bet Tips
Atletico Madrid -1.5 handicap @ 2.00
Atletico Madrid to keep a clean sheet @ 1.57
