Atletico Madrid vs Lokomotiv Moscow – Prediction (Champions League – 11.12.2019)

Preview and Teams Comparison.

It’s a simple task for Atlético Madrid – win and they go through. Whilst favourites here, getting that victory could be easier said than done considering four of Atlético’s five UEFA Champions League (UCL) games have seen the teams separated by less than 1.5 goals by full-time. The exception, however, was the Spaniards’ 2-0 win in the reverse fixture. This game could see a slow start from the hosts though, as Atlético are yet to lead at half-time this UCL campaign (HT: D3, L2) and have conceded the opener in their last two UCL fixtures, as well as five of their last seven games in all competitions (W1, D3, L3).

Lokomotiv Moscow can only finish fourth, and look likely to record a fifth straight UCL defeat as they travel to Spain for their fifth H2H clash with Atlético (D1, L3). Each of the Russians’ four UCL defeats this group stage saw them concede exactly two goals, yet it’s worth noting that Lokomotiv have only been trailing once at half-time this UCL campaign (HT: W2, D2, L1). Winless in seven previous UEFA trips to Spain (D1, L6), and with just one win across their last 15 UCL away games (D4, L10), Lokomotiv are surely travelling here more in hope than in expectation.

Players to watch: Álvaro Morata’s two UCL goals this term were scored after the 75th minute – his last six competitive goals for Atlético came after half-time. Aleksey Miranchuk has scored Lokomotiv’s last two UCL goals – both were as his side’s first goalscorer and came within the opening 30 minutes.

Stat attack: Seventeen of Atlético’s last 20 UCL home wins (within 90 minutes) came ‘to nil’. Lokomotiv failed to score in nine of their previous 11 UCL away defeats. Four of Atlético’s last five competitive home games saw a goal after the 75th minute.

Match Info and Live Scores.