Champions League Round of 16: Atletico Madrid – Internazionale

Internazionale will look to continue their impressive form and book a spot into the quarter finals. Last year´s losing finalists are one of the teams to watch in Europe with their impressive displays leading them comfortably in the Italian Serie A. Atlético are having a wobbly season, beating top rated sides with impressive displays to then lose against relegation candidates the week after. Inter are in the driving seat after winning the first game 1-0 at home but the margin is not too big and Atletico might turn things around with an inspiring performance. 

Atlético Madrid Team News

Atletico have quite a few injured players in their squad. Most notably defenders Gimenez and Azpilicueta are missing, providing some puzzle at the back for Simeone. Further up the pitch French winger Thomas Lemar and Spanish midfielder Vitolo are missing the game as well. However, Atletico should have enough depth in the squad to deal with these missing players going into the tie. 

Internazionale Team News

Inter have some injuries as well in their ranks but most key players are available for Wednesday’s game. The players set to miss the fixture are Marko Arnautovic who is out with a calf injury and Renato Augusto with a thigh injury. Furthermore, Cuadrado and Sensi will also not feature, having missed a big string of games already. 

Atlético Madrid Form

After a strong end of January with 5 wins in a row Atletico´s form has plummeted over the last weeks with only 3 wins and 5 losses in their last 10 games. However, Simeone´s side always remains a difficult side to beat in the Champions League, especially when playing at home in the Wanda Metrapolitano stadium. Atletico are also yet to be beaten at home this season in all competitions, making things interesting for sure in Wednesday’s tie. 

Internazionale Form

Internazionale are perhaps the most in form team in the whole of Europe, winning 14 out of their last 15 games. The Nerazzurri have won all of their games in 2024 so far and will look to continue that streak in Madrid on Wednesday. Their last defeat came in December against Bologna after extra time and since then Inzaghi´s men are on fire. Their streak has converted them into comfortable leaders at the summit of the Serie A and one of the outsiders for this season’s champions league title. 

What do the stats say?

• Atletico have conceded 3 goals in their last 6 home matches
• The 3 matches between these teams in history saw only 4 goals in total
• Inter have conceded 3 goals in their last 10 matches in all competitions

Our verdict

A tight affair between 2 strong teams that both are defensively very stable. Everything seems to point towards a cagey affair with few goals. Simeone´s sides have been known for their conservative approach in Champions League knockout games and Inter have one of the best defenses in the world, something they will try to emphasise when keeping Atletico at bay. 

Bet: Under 2.5 Goals