Atletico Madrid have treated their fans to so many perfect defensive displays this season. They now have a new season record of games won to nil – 21. But, for perhaps the first time, it is not just defensively where they are really excelling, as now we are starting to see the fruits of their attacking labour a lot more as well. They scored three or more goals in four consecutive home games for the first time in recent years.
Despite their free-scoring nature of late, Atleti might find it difficult in that sense today. It’s hard to score a lot against Malaga. Los Boquerones have conceded only 31 goals in 34 matches (only Atletico, Barcelona and Real Madrid have conceded less). And we must remember that Atletico Madrid will be tired after a tough game vs Athletic Bilbao, and will also have one eye on next weeks Champions League semi-final.
Malaga were unable to win in their two last home games (0:1 vs Athletic Bilbao and 1:1 vs Rayo Vallecano) and it’s quite obvious that they are poor going forward. That’s why I back Atletico Madrid to win and under 3.5 goals. I expect Los Colchoneros to approach this one with a cautious style in order to save themselves for the game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.