Atletico Madrid no longer has a real chance to win the Spanish first division. Real Madrid is simply too far ahead and has two games in hand, so their city rivals will have to settle for a Champions League berth. Their European campaign will resume in the second week of February, so they’ve got until then to earn precious points in La Liga. Victory against Celta Vigo is essential under these circumstances.
Busy Schedule Ahead for Atletico Madrid
The home side is fading in the standings after failing to win back-to-back games against mediocre teams. Several teams are challenging them for the fourth place, the last one to guarantee a presence in the Champions League group stage next season. Things are going to get hectic for Atletico Madrid in late February as they resume their European campaign.
Atletico Madrid was lucky to get a relatively easy opponent in the playoffs stage, and they will take on Leverkusen. However, the first match is played on the road and the German site can be dangerous so they need their best players fit to play. That’s why this is the time to push for victory in Primera Division.
Wins Don't Come Easy for Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo started 2017 on a positive note and won five games in a row including an emphatic victory over Real Madrid. They played one more game against the leader in February and another confrontation was eventually postponed. Even so, the visitors had to rotate their players and the starting 11 has changed often. Many footballers are tired and recent results speak for themselves.
Alaves held them to a scoreless draw in the first leg of Copa del Rey and was actually the more dangerous side. Against Atletico Madrid they can’t take any chances, but unfortunately the team struggles when it is supposed to defend against a better opponent. Bet365 sports makes a tempting proposition to those willing to bet on the home side to cover the -1.5 goals spread by offering even odds on this outcome.