Antoine to score one on his return
Luck of the champions
Simeone’s side march on into their opening fixture of the Champions League off the back of some fortunate recent results. A 95th minute own goal to snatch a point at home against Villarreal just before the international break, then a 99th minute dramatic winner from Thomas Lemar at Espanyol on Sunday has helped Atletico Madrid to 3rd place in La Liga. Porto have started their league season in strong form, still unbeaten with two wins and a draw to kick off their Primeira Liga season.
Fairy-tale return for Atleti’s French Prince
This is Atletico Madrid’s ninth consecutive season in the Champions League, and they’ll look to kick things off with a strong start at the Wanda Metropolitano against Porto. The visitors, coached by former Lazio teammate of Diego Simeone, Sergio Conceicao, had a strong Champions League campaign last time out. Before being eliminated by Chelsea in the quarterfinals, they beat Juventus in the round of 16 and domestically finished second in the Primeira Liga. However, Atletico should use their European experience and solid foundations to hold Porto to not scoring against them in their own back yard. Furthermore, the big story surrounding Atleti is the return of Antoine Griezmann to the Wanda. His arrival could spark an instant impact, and I’m backing this once Atleti legend to score on what could be set to be his second debut under Simeone. Combined with fellow former Barcelona striker Luiz Suarez, Griezmann will be eager to make a positive impact and regain the love of a fanbase who turned on him following his big money move to Catalunya.
Porto unlikely to make a mark
Atleti do have one suspension overhanging from their elimination to European champions Chelsea in last season’s round of 16 tie, with Stefan Savic seeing red in the second leg for using abusive language towards one of the officials that night. His experience will be missed, but despite Porto’s strong European campaign last time out, Atletico Madrid should have more than enough to see off Conceicao’s men.
The much-anticipated return of Antoine Griezmann could well be kicked off on Wednesday, and I’m backing the Frenchman to bag a goal on his fairy-tale return with bet365.
Post bet chat Archie's Tips:
0-0. Predictably low scoring, but we had a real chance here snatched from us by Chancel Mbemba. He brought down Griezmann as he looked through on goal in the 95th minute. Also didn't help that Griezmann didn't start the game...thanks Diego.