The UEFA Champions League serves up a fascinating clash as Atlético Madrid host Tottenham, with kick-off set for 20:00 on 18 March at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fresh from a seven-goal thriller in their last encounter, both sides arrive with attacking credentials and a point to prove. Atlético’s resounding 5-2 win in the first leg gives them an edge, but Spurs’ consistent season form suggests this tie is far from settled.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent scoring trends and player form, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in goals at both ends, given both teams’ big chance creation and conversion rates.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score | 4/5 @ Bet365 (55.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | We are backing goals at both ends as Atlético average 2.64 goals scored and 1.91 conceded per game, while Spurs are hitting 2.11 goals per match. Both sides have created 22+ big chances this campaign and neither defence has looked watertight. |
| Julián Álvarez Anytime Scorer | 13/8 @ Paddy Power (38.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Álvarez leads the tie with 7 goals in 10 European appearances and is heavily involved in big chances (26 assists). Spurs’ defence conceded 5 in Madrid last week, so we fancy the Argentine to get on the scoresheet again. |
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Odds correct at the time of writing.
How both teams go into Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid
Tottenham ended a run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions with a hard fought draw against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. Richarlison scored a dramatic late equaliser at Anfield to secure an important point for Spurs, who continue to be led by interim head coach Igor Tudor. There had been strong calls for Tudor to be dismissed following the 5–2 defeat to Atletico last week, but the club chose to keep faith with him and were rewarded with a much improved performance against Liverpool.
Tottenham remain locked in a Premier League relegation battle, but their focus now turns to the Champions League as they attempt a remarkable comeback to reach the quarter finals. It is a difficult challenge on paper and history is not on their side, with Spurs winning only three of their last 16 UEFA matches against Spanish opponents. Atletico also have an impressive record against English clubs, having won 10 of their 14 two legged European ties against them.
If Atletico score first against Tottenham on Wednesday, they would move four goals ahead in the tie, which would leave Spurs with an almost impossible task. Tottenham are already facing a difficult challenge and will again be without several key players because of injury and suspension, making the situation even more demanding for the home side.
Atletico have not been flawless this season and Diego Simeone’s team are still going through a period of transition, but they arrive for this match in positive spirits after a 1–0 win over Getafe on Saturday. They have also had slightly more time to prepare for the second leg, although the travel involved could lead to some fatigue. Even so, it would be a major surprise if Atletico failed to progress to the quarter finals from such a strong position, where they would face either Newcastle United or Barcelona.
Tottenham team news
Tottenham will again be missing several key players for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Atletico, although Micky van de Ven returns after serving a suspension against Liverpool. Richarlison is suspended, while Yves Bissouma, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Wilson Odobert are all ruled out through injury.
Conor Gallagher, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha will be assessed before the match. Tottenham could make a few changes to the side that faced Liverpool, with Xavi Simons, Van de Ven and Randal Kolo Muani all in contention to start.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico will be without first choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who has been ruled out with a muscular injury, meaning Juan Musso is expected to start in goal. Rodrigo Mendoza also remains unavailable, while Pablo Barrios will be assessed before the match.
Musso could be the only change from the side that started the first leg, although several players are likely to return after the weekend league win over Getafe. Antoine Griezmann is expected to partner Julian Alvarez in attack, while Johnny Cardoso should feature in midfield.
Head-to-Head
Last 6 Meetings
These sides have met just once recently, with Atlético running out emphatic winners in Madrid last week.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 10/03/26 | Atlético Madrid 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur | UEFA Champions League |
Will Atlético finish the job, or can Spurs strike back?
This tie remains delicately poised despite Atlético’s first-leg advantage. Spurs have shown strong continental form, while Atlético’s attack is firing but their defence can be breached. Our top value pick is Both Teams to Score at 4/5 with Bet365 (55.6% implied), with Álvarez a tempting anytime scorer at 13/8 with Paddy Power (38.1%). Expect another high-scoring contest between two ambitious, attacking sides.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
