The UEFA Champions League semi-finals continue on Wednesday as Arsenal will travel to take on Atlético Madrid.
Arsenal are slight +155 favorites on the moneyline, while a draw is available at +225. Fancy an Atlético Madrid upset? They are +185 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook.
In terms of odds to advance to the final, Arsenal are the favorite at -215, while Atlético Madrid are listed at +165.
Atlético Madrid vs. Arsenal Prediction, Pick
The first leg of this Champions League semi-final has all the makings of a defensive showdown. Both Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone are known for their pragmatic approaches to these kinds of matches. I’m expecting this game to play out just as expected, but I’ll give the edge to the Gunners based on their Champions League record this season.
In 12 games in this season’s competition, Arsenal have won 10 and drawn twice. They are still awaiting their first loss. For Atlético Madrid, they have struggled quite a bit more but all that matters is that you survive and advance. In their 14 matches, they have won seven, drawing twice and losing five times.
These teams actually met up earlier this season back in October in the League Phase, with Arsenal winning 4-0 at home. The Gunners were in much better form at that point of the season, but it was still a dominant performance against this same opposition. Arsenal finished with more shots, more shots on target, more possession and more importantly, a 4-0 win.
Neither of these teams come into this massive match in scorching form. Atlético have lost two of their last three games since their last UCL game, while Arsenal have lost one and won one since their second-leg match against Sporting Lisbon. Although they’re on the road and struggling to score goals at the moment, it’s hard for me to pick against this stout Arsenal defense. I’m not sure if they will get the win, but I also do not see them losing this first leg.
