Madrid began their Champions League campaign away from home as they faced Galatasaray.
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Atletico Madrid, the 2014 runner-up in the European tournament, dominated much of the match and created most of the scoring opportunities, missing chance-after-chance while Benfica efficiently took advantage of its few prospects.
Indeed it will, because neighbours Real Madrid will come calling Sunday, with Cristiano Ronaldo in sparkling form after his brace against Malmo Wednesday in a straightforward 2-0 win.
‘Right now it’s understandable that the team is unhappy with the defeat they suffered, ‘ Simeone said after the game.
Atletico Madrid are unbeaten at home in the Champions League under Diego Simeone (W9 D2).
“We will return to training and focus on what is clearly an important game for everyone”. “I don’t think there will be any need to motivate the players for a match like this one“.
Flares were lit once again when Benfica got their winer through Goncalo Guedes, but they were not this time thrown into the fans below.
Joaquin (Betis), Isaac Success (Granada), Keko (Eibar) and Luis Alberto (Deportivo) have all been excellent in different games already this term, and they, along with the service from the wing-backs of Las Palmas, are the danger men in their respective games.
Jackson Martinez has vowed to silence his critics following a poor start to his career with Atletico Madrid.
Barca will make the trip south with just 16 fit first-team players, as Claudio Bravo, Thomas Vermaelen, Andres Iniesta, Rafinha and – last but not least – Lionel Messi are sidelined with injury.
“On the pitch Benfica played a competitive game and deserved the victory for their effectiveness in front of goal”.
Atletico will win this and the fact that Simeone’s team have ceded only one goal in their last four matches suggests backing a home win to nil may be a smart play at 13/10.
In-form Benfica striker Jonas beat three defenders on a mazy dribble before dragging his shot wide six minutes in, while Tiago’s goal-bound effort was deflected wide at the other end moments later.
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Leaders Villarreal are favourites to stretch their winning streak to six league games when they visit Levante on Sunday.
