S.P.Read Esq: Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to the Champions League match tonight on ITV between ATLETICO MADRID v REAL MADRID and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

The first two Champions League Quarter Finals take place tonight with the Madrid derby on ITV and Juventus v Monaco on SKY.

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid certainly looks the pick of them and is a repeat of last year’s final which Real Madrid won in injury time despite only being a couple of minutes away from defeat.

Since that clash though it’s been a ‘real’ case of role reversal as Real Madrid have failed to beat Atletico in six consecutive head to heads.

There’s little to choose between the two teams in the Star Sports odds for this game but I favour Atletico with home advantage to maintain their current superior form over their neighbours.

Clearly, Gareth Bale will be a massive factor in the game and Real manager manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his £85 million man is “100% fit” despite Bale missing Saturday’s domestic game against Eibar. Real have no other injury concerns and Ancelotti has the luxury of a full strength side to choose from.

Atletico will be boosted by the expected return of striker Mario Mandzukic after his ankle problem whilst Raul Garcia is also expected to return after an elbow injury.

Ancelotti insists that neither side start as favourites and said: “We have a 50% chance.”

I disagree. I think Atletico SHOULD be the favourites based on recent form and will be backing them accordingly.

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
Champions League Quarter Final First Leg
7.45pm LIVE ITV

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Feb 2015 Spanish Primera Liga Atl Madrid 4-0 Real Madrid
Jan 2015 Copa del Rey Real Madrid 2-2 Atl Madrid
Jan 2015 Copa del Rey Atl Madrid 2-0 Real Madrid
Sep 2014 Spanish Primera Liga Real Madrid 1-2 Atl Madrid
Aug 2014 Spanish Super Cup Atl Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
Aug 2014 Spanish Super Cup Real Madrid 1-1 Atl Madrid
May 2014 Champions League Real Madrid 4-1 Atl Madrid
Mar 2014 Spanish Primera Liga Atl Madrid 2-2 Real Madrid
Feb 2014 Copa del Rey Atl Madrid 0-2 Real Madrid
Feb 2014 Copa del Rey Real Madrid 3-0 Atl Madrid

I’m going for Atletico to strike early and am selling the time of the first Atletico goal at 54 minutes with Star Spreads.

CLICK FOR ATLETICO MADRID v REAL MADRID MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale 1-100 points)

SELL TIME OF FIRST ATLETICO GOAL for 40 points at around 54 with Star Spreads

(APRIL RETURN: -2716 points)

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.