UEFA Champions' League QF (2nd leg)

Atletico Madrid v Panathinaikos


Tuesday, August 25
Atletico Madrid v Panathinaikos

Preview: The Spanish side are in the driver's seat to qualify for the CL group stages after
a fine 3-2 first leg win in Athens. Aguero and Forlan were very impressive in the victory in what unfolded into a very open encounter, especially after Maxi Rodriguez put Atletico ahead. Panathinaikos now need to score atleast two goals to have any chance of progressing, a very tall order indeed for the Greek side. They can though go into this encounter with some confidence after a comfortable 3-0 away win at Ergotelis, their opening game in the domestic league. Summer signing, Djibril Cisse, was on the scoresheet for the Greens and will pose the biggest threat to Atletico in this evening's match.

Verdict: Panathinaikos are in an unnatural position where they must come out of their shell and play an attacking brand of football. This will leave the visitors susceptible to the counter attack, something in which players like Aguero, Forlan and Rodriguez thrive on. On the other hand if Atletico score first, the tie will be effectively over and it is then quite possible that the Greek side will fall completely to pieces. Either way, I see this leg going the way of the first in that we will see many goals.

Picks:
Over 2.5 goals @1.73 (Stan James, 8 units)
Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 Panathinaikos
Correct Score Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 PAO @8.10 (Bwin, 1 unit)
Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 Panathinaikos