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Borussia Dortmund vs Atlético de MadridApril 16 2024, 3:00 PM EDT
Borussia Dortmund odds+125
Atlético de Madrid odds+204
Draw+270
Over\Under3 +110/-129

Borussia Dortmund vs Atlético de Madrid. Shape of the Teams

As the Champions League verdict approaches, it is time for Atlético to step up. Although Atlético has little to fight for in La Liga, they are still on track to reach the semi-finals of the UCL. With a one-goal advantage, Atlético is unlikely to adopt an overly ambitious strategy in Germany.

However, they face a daunting task at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, a stadium feared across Europe for its intense atmosphere and passionate supporters. It has consistently been one of the stadiums with the highest attendance in recent years. Dortmund fans are also known for their crazy Tifo displays, which adds to Atlético’s concerns.

The last time Diego Simeone and Los Rojiblancos played against the Yellow and Black at the Signal Iduna Park ended in a humbling 4-0 defeat for the Spaniards. That should be a reason to worry, as Atlético’s away record has been far from great this season. 

Although they won their game against Girona during the weekend (3-1), the narrow one-goal lead in the first leg in Madrid is unlikely to be enough. If anything, Simeone will have to channel his inner genius to find the winning formula against Dortmund. 

Things are further complicated by the absence of key players like Thomas Lemar, Memphis Depay, and Mario Hermoso, who are all sidelined due to injuries. 

Additionally, Lino is suspended for the clash and this will cause a major difference in Atlético’s attacking strategy – many transitions usually come through Lino. 

How Atlético will deal with his absence will be one of the factors that will determine the outcome of the game – the difference between qualification and elimination.

Atlético de Dortmund vs Borussia Dortmund Match Info

Borussia Dortmund vs Atlético de Madrid, Odds

Atlético de Madrid’s famous chant – Nunca dejes de creer (never stop believing) – tells you everything you need to know about Atlético’s culture. The resilience that Atlético displayed has become synonymous with Diego Simeone’s coaching philosophy.

This ironclad mentality has seen them through countless European battles. Although they sometimes make things complicated for themselves, they often come out victorious. Inter Milan already got a taste of it – they were eliminated at the Wanda despite leading by one goal in Milano. 

And yet, Atlético is hardly the favourite. Spanish teams have a horrendous record against their German counterparts due to the contrasting styles of Spanish and German soccer. 

Spanish teams, including Atlético, focus on methodical build-up and possession, while German teams like Dortmund thrive on fast-paced, back-and-forth counterattacks – a style that will test Atlético’s defensive strength. 

This match will also mark the homecoming of Axel Witsel. The former Dortmund player is now active for Atlético, where he transformed from a midfielder to a defender. 

With Azpilicueta starting at the back, Dortmund will have a clear target in transition. As great as the ex-Chelsea defender is, the veteran lacks speed. And that becomes a problem when you’re up against Dortmund, facing the boiling pressure of the stadium. Not to mention the factor of Füllkrug, a beast in the box. 

Atlético’s approach at the Wanda was criticized for being too passive after taking the lead, a mistake they can’t afford to repeat in Dortmund. An early goal for BvB could derail Atlético’s strategy, forcing them into a reactive stance in a hostile stadium. 

At the same time, this Dortmund team lacks something Atlético does possess – experience. Atlético, a team that fights for every win, capitalizes on unfinished chances. In their territory, small mistakes can be very costly – a problem Dortmund is known for. 

This is exactly what this Champions League clash will come down to – whether Dortmund can score and whether Atlético can maintain their form as an unbreakable psychological wall.

Borussia Dortmund vs Atlético de Madrid Betting Tip

It might come as a surprise that it’s not the the usual suspects Antoine Griezmann or Alvaro Morata who are selected as the pick. The rationale is that Dortmund is likelier to score, and Sabitzer excels in chaotic situations inside the box.

Having scored against Mönchengladbach last weekend, Sabitzer has shown he can capitalize when the opposition is disorganized. 

Atlético often struggles against players who delay their runs in the box, primarily because it is difficult to track simultaneous movements. 

Combined with Füllkrug in the box and Jadon Sancho – who is having a great season on loan from Manchester United – Atlético Madrid’s three-at-the-back could easily be overwhelmed by Dortmund’s attacking numbers. 

While the betting odds might not highlight Sabitzer as the likely hero, his recent goal-scoring form and ability to thrive in turbulent scenarios make him a potential game-changer.


Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.


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