Atletico Madrid vs Valencia
Fourth versus seventh is the game of the weekend in La Liga.
Realistically, both Atletico Madrid and Valencia have different objectives.
Atletico are bidding for yet another top four finish to secure an 11th straight season of Champions League football.
Valencia are chasing a top six finish to be assured of European football for the first time in four seasons.
It’s a far cry from a decade ago when Atletico reached the first of two Champions League finals in three seasons, a feat matched by Valencia in back-to-back campaigns at the turn of the millennium.
Yet, while both clubs have naturally struggled to maintain that level of performance against the powerhouses of Spanish football, both Los Colchoneros and Los Che are capable of delivering La Liga 2024 highlights and their latest quests.
Talking Points
Both teams secured narrow league victories last time out.
Valencia may well have helped Atletico’s top four chances with a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, secured through a Hugo Duro goal just after the hour to seal a fourth consecutive league win and, in the process, end Bilbao’s 14-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
That resulted, coupled with Atletico’s victory at battling Granada by the same scoreline, lifted Diego Simeone’s side up into fourth above Bilbao on goal difference.
Alvaro Morata netted the only goal of the game as Antoine Griezmann and the Spaniard linked up again – they have 37 goals between them this season, more than any other duo in Europe.
Upgrading the defence to a level of a decade or so ago may take them a level above most teams in Spain but their attacking talent is not in doubt.
As for Valencia, the story so far this term has been a big improvement on finishes in 13th, ninth, and 16th over the last three campaigns, so a place in Europe would be a big boost.
It’s been reported this week that there is interest in buying the club from unpopular Singapore businessman Peter Lim.
Miguel Zorio, who is a successful businessman from the Valencia area, has submitted a €250 million offer.
Zorio has secured funding through to 2028 but, for now at least, his offer is well below Lim’s valuation who reportedly wants in the region of €400 million.
Before Christmas it was reported Lim did not intend to finance any signings during January, with only loan deals being allowed to be pursued.
Players will need to put all this speculation to one side as they concentrate on continuing a top six chase which sees Valencia in seventh spot, just one point clear of surprise high-flyers Las Palmas and Real Betis.
History
Valencia recently encountered their longest ever winless streak against Atletico.
Los Che failed to defeat them in 17 outings in La Liga and the Copa del Rey until earlier this season when they turned the tables and recorded a 3-0 home triumph.
Duro netted twice in the opening 34 minutes before Javi Guerra added a third after the break.
That was the first Valencia success since April 2014 when future Premier League players Andre Gomes and Nicolas Otamendi were among the scorers in a 3-1 win at the Mestalla.
Last season, Atletico won this fixture by a 3-0 scoreline.
Overall, the two teams have crossed paths 185 times in all competitions since 1935.
Atletico have the upper hand in these meetings with 73 wins to their name.
Valencia are not far behind with 63 wins to their name, while 49 games have ended in draws.
They also met in the Europa League four times.
In the 2010 quarter-finals, Atletico progressed on away goals after a 2-2 draw in Valencia and then ran out 5-2 aggregate winners in the 2012 semi-finals.
For the record, the very first time they locked horns was in January 1935 when Atletico ran out 5-2 winners at home.
Betting Tip
Atletico come into the game in good spirits after reaching the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night and will start as favourites with the SBOTOP La Liga 2024 betting odds.
Atletico can be backed 1X2 @ 1.45, Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.13 with attractive opening half odds of First Half 1X2 @ 2.08 and First Half Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.08.
Valencia are well adrift of that, priced First Half 1X2 @ 5.10, First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.20, 1X2 @ 6.00, and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.04.
Another 3-0 home win will result in a payday @ 11.00 with Correct Score, with planned goal bets such as over 2.75 @ 2.08, Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.51, 2-3 @ 1.93, and 4-6 @ 3.16.
Valencia need the victory more than Atletico, but I think they’ll have to settle for a point.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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