THE European NAP from Mark O’Haire (@MarkOHaire) returns after the festive period with a bet from La Liga’s standout fixture on Sunday.
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid | Sunday 20.00 | Sky Sports 5
Spanish football returned from the winter break with a bang last weekend. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona suffered defeats as the La Liga title race took another twist. And there’ll be plenty more between now and May.
On Sunday Barca will be looking to get back on track when they entertain Atletico Madrid in a mouth-watering tie that could well leave either/or fighting for their right to be crowned kings of Spain.
The Catalans have been dogged by off-the-field woes in the past week and with rumours escalating of a power-struggle between coach Luis Enrique and star man Lionel Messi, the Barcelona boss could easily be out of a job within the next few days.
As for Atletico, well if Diego Simeone knew anything about betting, I’d be banging on his door to show him the odds for this game. His team have been insulted by the prices on offer with the 3/5 on a Barcelona potentially the worst price I’ve seen this season. It’s disgusting. Absolutely vile.
Atleti head to the Camp Nou with happy memories of their last trip. It was there on the final day of last season that Simeone’s men secured their historic title triumph and the Mattress Makers look outstanding value at 20/19 (BetVictor) with a +1 start in the Asian Handicap market.
The two teams met six times in all competitions last year with Barca failing to beat the capital club once. In fact, the Catalans failed to score more than one goal in any of those six showdowns and Atleti know exactly how to get results against Spain’s super powers.
Since the start of last season, Atletico Madrid have played the Big-2 in 15 matches. They’ve only lost twice with both games coming against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey last season when fielding weakened teams. It’s a stunning record that deserves so much more respect than the markets are giving.
With this selection, we’ll get our cash back if the visitors lose by one-goal and be in profit should Atleti grab a draw or maximum points. They’ve lost by two goals or more just twice in 46 outings. So get with the Mattress Makers after all, they are defending champions and Champions League finalists!
Best Bets
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid – Atletico Madrid +1 Asian Handicap (20/19 BetVictor)
3 Comments
Price has already contracted significantly. Barcelona in crisis.
Yes, and latest news is they’ll be holding presidential elections a year early now, next summer!
The club’s in a mess off-the-pitch but they’re still in the hunt for the two biggest trophies. Sadly though, as a Barcelona admirer, they look unlikely to get either!
I’ve gone with Atletico DNB @ 3/1
Really like the odds on that and i do fancy Atletico.