Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 20/02/2021, 23:13  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 21/02/2021 at 21:57 in Champions League Predictions

Atletico Madrid have had it tough in their recent matches, and a loss to Levante in La Liga placed in jeopardy their targets this season ahead of the home clash with Chelsea in the Champions League. The Spanish side suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Levante on Saturday and will have a lot to improve on when they host Chelsea in Bucharest. Known for their defensive mettle, Atleti have failed badly in recent matches, keeping just one clean sheet in 10 and none in the last seven. It couldn’t get better in the Levante loss, with defender Jose Maria Gimenez getting injured. That loss marked the third time in five matches that Atletico have conceded two goals and it was their second straight winless game at home. In the Champions League group stages, Atletico managed to get through with just two wins, but they’re unbeaten five. The hosts have a 13-match unbeaten run at home in the Champions League. Their last loss came in 2017, and it was against Chelsea. This time they play at a neutral venue, and maybe that could be the break they need. Apart from missing Gimenez, Atletico will also be without Yannick Carrasco and Hector Herrera for the game.

Chelsea’s winning run was halted in their last game as they drew 1-1 with Southampton. They had five straight wins before the Southampton clash, and head to this clash unbeaten in eight matches. New manager Thomas Tuchel has done well so far but against Atletico it will be a new kind of test – his strongest opponent so far. The coach will hope the controversy over his comments on Callum Hudson Odoi after the Southampton game do not blow up in the squad. The forward was withdrawn just 30 minutes after being sent on at the start of the second half and cut a forlorn figure as he sat back among the reserves. Chelsea are however on a four-match unbeaten streak away from home, which they’ll be hoping to extend. They’re unbeaten in six Champions League matches, having won four of their group stage matches, and kept four clean sheets in the process. The Blues have three straight away wins in the Champions League, with 10 goals, and just one conceded. They will go to this game without the injured Thiago Silva, but Kai Havertz could return from injury.