🏟️ Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
📅 Wednesday 11th March.
🕗 Kick-off: 20:00 (GMT).
🏆 Champions League.
📺 TV: BT Sport 2 (UK).
Liverpool play Atletico Madrid in the 2nd leg of this round of 16 Champions League match after losing the 1st leg 1-0.
Rough patch
Liverpool’s loss in the 1st leg started a bad run of form for the Reds. They lost for the first time in the Premier League this season - a 3-0 thrashing away to Watford - and they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea. They returned to winning ways at the weekend with a 2-1 win against Bournemouth. However, they were behind in that match and looked far from convincing. Liverpool will have to improve upon their recent performances if they are to go through. You can back Liverpool at 4/7 to win this match.
Will history repeat itself?
After an impressive display in the previous leg, Atletico Madrid will want to avoid a repeat of last season’s nightmare to Juventus. They won 2-0 at home in the 1st leg and then lost the return leg 3-0 after a Christiano Ronaldo hat-trick. Atletico will have to find a way to go through without two of their most important players in Jose Gimenez and Thomas Partey, but their £113m winger Joao Felix will return. You can get odds of 11/2 for Atletico Madrid to win at Anfield. Atleti are safe in the knowledge that a draw here is enough, and if they get an away goal - Liverpool will have to score at least three goals.
Match preview
There will be very little difference in terms of how the match will pan out in comparison to the 1st leg. Atletico will put most of their players behind the ball and try to grab something on the counter. They will be wary about what happened last year as they were too defensive against Juventus; eventually succumbing to their attacking onslaught. Will they surprise Liverpool and play more attacking at the beginning? Liverpool will have the crowd behind them in this match, and they don’t have to go too far back to remember seeing their side go through after a 1st leg deficit. They came back from a 3-0 defeat in the 1st leg against Barcelona and won 4-0 at Anfield during last year’s semi-final. Liverpool are at 11/10 to make the next round. Despite Liverpool having 73% possession in the first match, Atletico had the best chances and could have easily made it two or three. Liverpool had very few goalscoring opportunities during the game, and they had zero shots on target. Worrying stats for Jurgen Klopp, but he’ll be confident that his side can create more at home.
Injury news
Liverpool: Jordan Henderson and Alisson Becker are both doubts.
Atletico Madrid: Thomas Partey (suspension) and Jose Gimenez.
Betting tip
In what is expected to be an intriguing tactical battle, we’re tipping Liverpool to score over two total goals at 31/20.
Whatever you bet on, enjoy the game and don’t forget that our prices are subject to fluctuation. Please check our Sports Betting page for the latest odds.