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Welcome to the electrifying encounter in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 as Atletico Madrid square off against Inter Milan at the CΓvitas Metropolitano. With a tantalizing backdrop of history, this clash promises fireworks as both teams vie for supremacy on the European stage.
With Inter securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg through a Marko ArnautoviΔ strike late in the game, the pressure mounts on Atletico to overturn the deficit in front of their home crowd. Despite Inter's slender lead, past encounters reveal a closely contested battle, with the head-to-head record tipping slightly in Inter's favour. In the past meetings, Inter have emerged victorious twice while Atletico have a solitary win.
Domestic form plays a pivotal role in adding more excitement. Inter's commanding lead at the top of the Serie A table contrasts with Atletico's relatively modest fourth position in La Liga, setting the stage for a clash of contrasting fortunes.
With Atletico Madrid boasting attacking talents like Morata and Griezmann, and Inter Milan led by Martinez and Thuram, both teams are likely to find the back of the net.
The betting tip is...
Both teams to score.
70 %
30 %
Vitolo remains sidelined until late March, while Cesar Azpilicueta's absence extends for another month. However, there's optimism as Griezmann is poised to make a comeback from a sprained ankle, providing a crucial boost to their attacking prowess.
Morata's impressive goal-scoring form, with 14 La Liga goals and 5 in the UCL, positions him as a key figure in Atletico's quest for victory. Griezmann, with 11 La Liga goals and 5 in the UCL, is expected to shine on home turf.
Γngel Correa's attacking contribution, boasting 7 goals and 2 assists in La Liga, and Rodrigo De Paul's creative prowess, leading La Liga with 35 chances created, further bolstered Atletico's offensive arsenal.
In goal, Oblak's stellar performance with a 78.8% save percentage and 2 clean sheets in the UCL this season instills confidence in Atletico's defensive solidity.
Morata and Griezmann are key goal-scorers.
Predicted Lineup: Oblak, Molina, Witsel, Hermoso, Lino, Llorente, Saul, Koke, De Paul, Morata, Griezmann
In Inter's team news, Sensi remains unavailable due to injury, while Hakan Calhanoglu and Juan Cuadrado's fitness hangs in the balance, with their return likely by mid-March but currently doubtful. We think Calhanoglu will be fit for the all-important UCL match.
Lautaro Martinez emerges as Inter's leading goal-scorer with an impressive tally of 25 goals and 4 assists across all competitions, providing a potent threat to Atletico's defence. Marcus Thuram follows closely with 10 goals and 7 assists, complemented by Hakan Calhanoglu's contribution of 9 goals and 3 assists in Serie A. Henrikh Mkhitaryan adds creative flair with 2 goals and 7 assists in Serie A.
In goalkeeping, Inter relies on Jan Oblak's remarkable 90% save percentage and 4 clean sheets in the UCL this season to maintain defensive resilience.
Martinez, Calhanoglu, and Thuram are key goal scorers.
Predicted Lineup: Sommer, Pavard, de Vrij, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Martinez, Thuram
Considering the form and lineup, expect a fiercely contested match. Atletico Madrid, boosted by Griezmann's return and Morata's prolific scoring, will aim to overturn the deficit at home turf.
Inter Milan, led by Martinez and Thuram, will look to capitalise on their slender lead. Atletico are different beast at home but Interβs overall form this season cannot be overlooked.
Unbeaten in 19 away games and with an overall rock-solid form this season, we predict a win for Inter.
