Champions League: Giménez Leads Flurry on Atleti

Atletico vs Feyenoord

Two of the most potent clubs will face off in the Champions League this Wednesday as Atletico Madrid host Feyenoord at the Metropolitan Stadium.

Diego Simeone and the rest of the Colchoneros failed to secure the win against Lazio in their first match in the group stages, only to settle in a draw, but they are poised to bounce back against Feyenoord to become the top seed in Group E.

Meanwhile, Santiago Giménez will look to lead his team to another win in the group stages, coming off a compelling victory over the Scottish League’s best, Celtic. That win boasts Feyenoord as the only club in Group E with a win, and they are currently atop the group standings.

Talking Points

Morata Magic

Atletico came out victorious in the Madrid derby, convincingly beating their city rivals Real Madrid 3-1 thanks to Alvaro Morata’s standout performance.

Atletico opened up the match with a beautiful inswinging cross from the leftwing-winger Samuel Lino. He delivered the ball to the perfect spot, which only Morata could reach. Morata then timed and sprinted to the middle of the box and headed his first goal of the match, giving Atletico the early lead.

Minutes later, another cross from the left side of the field resulted in a goal, but this time it was courtesy of the French forward Antoine Griezmann. But Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos scored one back in the 35^th minute of the first half to keep Los Blancos in the fight.

Just like in the first half, Morata yet again finds the back of the net. All of Atletico’s goals came from their left. This time, the assister was Saul, as he crossed the ball towards the far post. Morata surgically pulled away from defender Alaba, then leaped for a header that found its way past Courtois to give Morata his second goal of the match.

This commanding victory for Atletico ends Real Madrid’s perfect start to the season and bolsters Atletico’s confidence and form going into their match against Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Morata stated after the game, “It doesn’t matter what you’ve won, winning with the Atlético shirt has to be different. Our fans deserve those emotions. We gave everything on the pitch and they gave everything in the stands; that’s what we need. I need to feel important in the team and maybe this year I feel that more than any other year. I would love to win a trophy with Atlético.”

Feyenoord have themselves a bona fide stud

Santiago Giménez is on a meteoric rise this season. He’s been making headlines for all the good reasons, most notably when he blessed Feyenoord as the first player in the club’s history to score a hat-trick. He did so against arch-rivals Ajax in Johan Cruyff Arena.

The Mexican forward has quietly become Eredivisie’s top goal scorer. He had tallied double-digit goals in just seven matches in the young season.

This skyrocketed Giménez’s stock and even piqued the interest of numerous prestigious clubs around Europe. And with a sensible £43.3 million price tag set by Feyenoord, a lot of clubs will surely pursue the Mexican phenom.

History

The previews and only time these two sides met was during a club friendly back in August 2021. Feyenoord hosted Atletico at De Kuip Stadium, where the home team bagged the win with a score line of 2-1.

Bryan Lissen was hot off the gates as he found the back of the net early in the first half. Atletico, uncharacteristically quiet for most of the match, finally equalized late in the second half. Angel Correa scored the away goal in the 83^rd minute of the fixture, but Feyenoord’s Naoufal Bannis quickly answered with the winning goal to close out the match in injury time.

In recent form, Atletico ha remained one of La Liga’s best clubs. They have won five of their seven league matches, which includes a notable victory against league-leaders Real Madrid and a 7-0 demolition job against Rayo Vallecano.

Diego Simeone and the rest of his team are currently fourth in the La Liga standings, having played one less game than the league leaders. In seven games, they have managed to garner 16 points, and they have a goal difference of 11, which is the highest goal difference in the league.

Feyenoord, on the other hand, continues to be a dominant presence in Eredivisie. They have yet to lose in the 2023-24 season, and they’re currently fourth on the league table.

Feyenoord have been an offencive juggernaut, scoring a league-best 26 goals in just seven games in the Dutch league. Santiago Gimenez has been the tip of the spear, having already scored 10 times this season.

Arne Slot and his team have been on a tear this month, thrashing every foe that comes their way across all competitions.

Betting Tip

This is expected to be a high-octane match filled with Champions League 2023 highlights. As the Champions League 2023 betting odds suggest, it is more likely for both sides to score more than a total of over 2.25 goals, as it is priced at 1.63, while under 2.25 is at a lofty 2.33.

Surely a match with this much talent will be a competitive one, but like SBOTOP, I give Atleti the slight edge to win. With Atletico priced at 1.62 to win, there isn’t much value, but in the form they’re in, I wouldn’t want to bet against Diego Simeone’s club, even if it’s against a very potent team like Feyenoord.

 

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