Champions League – Atletico Madrid vs Porto FC

Club Atletico de Madrid hope to find form when FC Porto come calling at the Vicente Calderon for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie. Since the group stage of Champions League ended Atletico Madrid saw their fortunes take a turn for the worse. They lost their stride and with it, their results suffered. They lost six of their last ten matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, FC Porto, who finished at the top of Group A found their stride. They are on a good run of results and arrive in Madrid full of confidence and optimism.

Soccer Betting Line:
Atletico Madrid -½  Ev   Ev   2½  O +125   U -145    1½  O +120   U -150   Draw   +230    
FC Porto  +½  -120   +275 2½  O +125   U -145   1  O +120   U -150   Draw   +230

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday 24 February 2009

Venue: Vicente Calderon

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Atletico Madrid Even:

Road to Last 16: Atletico Madrid finished second in Group D two points behind group leaders Liverpool FC. Returning to Champions League absence after a 12-year-long exile, they were impressive.  They beat PSV Eindhoven on the away 3:0 to kick off their campaign and followed up with a 2:1 triumph over Marseille at home. They drew 1:1 against Liverpool twice – on match day three and four, beat PSV Eindhoven 2:1 and drew against Marseille 0:0.

Current Form: Their domestic form is slightly concerning. They have been on a poor run of results lately, losing six of their last ten matches. Their struggles precipitated a coaching change. Javier Aguirre was sacked and replaced by Abel Resino.

FC Porto +275:

Road to Last 16: Porto’s Champions League campaign got off to an encouraging start with a win over Fenerbahce but two subsequent losses threatened to eliminate them. They were all but counted out when they stormed back to finish top of the group G. Impressively indeed as they took all three points in their last three matches.

Current Form: With the impressive Champions League turnout Porto returned to domestic action and carried the momentum. They raised their form and level of play. Currently, they lead the domestic table.

Soccer Betting Verdict: On paper, this matchup is even. Atletico has poor form but loads of potential, particularly up front. Porto is in good form and have excellent attacking potential as well. Both sides will try to create chances and given their respective firepower a high scoring match should result. Atletico has the home edge and Champions League will be a nice break from their domestic woes. If they can find form here they could very well take the match and turnaround their domestic campaign as well.

Soccer Betting Free Picks: Atletico Madrid Even | Over 2.5 +125

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetOnline.com Locker Room