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Atletico Madrid v Liverpool Betting

The third round of Champions’ League group fixtures includes a Group D clash between Athletico Madrid and Liverpool, with both teams defending a 100% record. There is no head-to-head form as the sides have never met. Get a Free £25 Bet on Atletico Madrid v Liverpool when you join either 888sport or Blue Square

CURRENT FORM

Atletico Madrid
Madrid have made a quiet start to their domestic season, in 7th place in the Spanish Primera Liga, with 9 points from 6 games. However, their Champions’ League form has been somewhat more inspiring. Their Group D opener was a visit to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. The Spanish side started well, taking the lead via a 9th minute strike from Argentinean midfielder Sergio Aguero. Aguero doubled the lead after 36 minutes and Nuno Maniche killed off the game shortly after the interval, for an impressive 3-0 success. Athletico Madrid took a big step towards the last 16 of the Champions’ League after seeing off Marseille 2-1. All the goals came in an action-packed opening period, with Sergio Aguero again opening the scoring, after 4 minutes. Mamadou Niang levelled for the home side after 16 minutes, with Raul Garcia’s winner coming on 22 minutes. The victory gives Atletico a maximum 6 points, while Marseille now have a mountain to climb having also lost their opening game at home to Liverpool.

Liverpool
Liverpool are unbeaten in 7 domestic fixtures and lie second, on goal difference in the Premier League. They have also made a successful start to their Champions’ League campaign. Steven Gerrard played a captain’s role as the Merseysiders opened their Champions League Group D campaign with a 2-1 win in Marseille. Marseille led after 23 minutes through skipper Lorik Cana, but Gerrard equalised within a few minutes with an exquisite 25-yarder. Just after the half-hour, a twice-taken Gerrard penalty gave Liverpool the lead. The French team battled well after the interval but Liverpool hung on for a deserved success. The Reds’ second outing was a home tie against PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch champions were totally outclassed at Anfield. Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring in the 4th minute, with his 10th goal in 16 Champions’ League games for the club. Robbie Keane broke his Liverpool duck in the 34th minute, following his £20 million move from Spurs. In the 76th minute, Steven Gerrard grabbed his 100th Liverpool goal to leave his side with their Champions League destiny in their own hands. Danny Koevermans scored a consolation goal for PSV 2 minutes later, but Liverpool were impressive 3-1 winners. Liverpool have now won their first two group matches for the first time. The back-to-back games with Atletico Madrid will, after the Spanish side’s win over Marseille, almost certainly decide the group winners.

KEY PLAYERS

Athletico Madrid
Maniche, real name Nuno Ricardo de Oliveira Ribeiro, is a Portuguese international midfielder. Renowned for his teamwork, stamina and powerful shot, he received his nickname after Benfica’s 1980s legendary Danish forward Michael Manniche.

Luis Garcia plays in the “hole” position behind the striker. A greatly skilled player, but he does have the unfortunate “ability” to give the ball away in dangerous areas. Though predominantly a left-footer, he is any thing but a “one-footed” player. His confidence with both feet makes him a versatile attacking asset, and for a player of 5ft 9in, his heading ability is remarkable.

Liverpool
Liverpool skipper, Steven Gerrard, is an influential and versatile midfielder. He is generally used in a central midfield role, though has often been employed on the right side of midfield and occasionally as a second striker. He has also captained the English national side. He is renowned for his shots from distance and recently scored his 100th goal for the club from 25 yards.

Spanish international striker Fernando Torres, ironically, signed by Liverpool from Madrid, is a prolific goalscorer. He has scored 38 times in 57 appearances for the Reds, including 6 from 15 in European competition.

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