La Liga: Granada Out to Cause Covid-Hit Atletico Problems

Granada vs Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid’s awesome eight-match La Liga win streak finally came to an end after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo. That result saw their lead at the top of the table trimmed slightly.

Diego Simeone’s side is currently dealing with a number of Covid absentees, which will be cause for some concern as they travel to eighth-placed Granada.

However, the La Liga 2021 betting odds should still have them heavily favoured against Granada, who have been struggling to pick up wins since the turn of the year.

Talking Points

Granada have huge Europa League tie coming up

Granada have had a rough run of La Liga 2021 results of late. Diego Martinez’s men have won just once in their first seven matches to start the year. Although, they have picked up three draws in their last four games, including one away at Villarreal.

Granada also drew 2-2 away to Levante last time out. They came from behind twice, with veteran striker Roberto Soldado scoring in stoppage time to salvage a point. It was the 35-year-old Soldado’s fifth goal of the season, putting him level with Luis Suarez for the team lead.

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Soldado has now scored in back-to-back games; he also found the net in Granada’s near-upset of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, where they eventually lost 5-3 in extra time.

Kenedy, who is on loan from Chelsea, has also scored in consecutive games and has been one of Granada’s top performers over the last few weeks.

Granada have a great home record this season. They have six wins in their 11 league matches at the Nuevo Los Carmenes Stadium, with three draws and just two defeats.

However, Granada could find themselves looking ahead to their Europa League round of 32 tie with Napoli next week. It’s one of the biggest matches in the club’s history, so putting their full focus and attention on the Atletico match could potentially pose a challenge.

Atleti have more Covid absentees in attack

Atletico Madrid’s eight-match winning run in the league came to an end with a 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo. After Luis Suarez put Atleti ahead with two goals, Celta shocked their hosts by equalising in the 89th minute through Facundo Ferreyra.

It is the continuation of a somewhat concerning trend for Atleti’s outstanding defence, which has begun to look a bit shaky over the past few weeks. They have now conceded two goals in back-to-back games for the first time all season and have given up a goal in five of their six games in 2021. Moreover, they’ve conceded the first goal in three of their last four games.

La Liga: Joao Felix could miss Atletico Madrid's La Liga clash against Granada due to COVID-19 — Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix during their match against Villarreal

Luckily for Atleti, they have been able to come back from those deficits thanks in large part to the goals of Luis Suarez. The 34-year-old leads La Liga with 16 goals in his first 17 games for the club, seven of which have come in the last four games.

Suarez will need to carry the scoring load for Atleti for a bit longer as the team continues to deal with a Covid outbreak, particularly in attack. Joao Felix, Moussa Dembele, Thomas Lemar, and Hector Herrera have all tested positive recently and are likely to miss out.

But even with all those absentees, Atleti still have other players who can get them goals, with the likes of Angel Correa and Marcos Llorente ready to partner the in-form Suarez up front.

History

Atletico have completely dominated Granada over the years in La Liga. The Rojiblancos are undefeated in their 15 last meetings, with 12 wins and three draws.

Atleti absolutely smashed Granada 6-1 in the opening match of the season. Suarez scored a late brace as he came on for his Atleti debut. Although, Granada did hold Atletico to a 1-1 draw when they visited last season.

Betting Tip

	Granada vs Atletico Madrid	1X2 Granada @ 1.83
	February 13, 21:00 (GMT+8)

Despite their Covid absentees, the SBOTOP odds still have Atletico installed as big 1.83 favourites over Granada, who are priced at 4.40 to pick up the shock home win. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.40.

With Atleti’s defence suddenly looking a bit shaky and their attacking depth depleted by Covid, Granada might have a genuine shot at giving the visitors some headaches.

But with Granada’s porous defence — they have conceded 36 goals, the second-worst defensive record in the league — and Suarez’s sublime goalscoring form of late, Atleti should still have enough to escape Granada with all three points.