Real Betis-Atletico Madrid Betting Preview: Why a low scoring-game looks likely

Jan 24, 2013 11:00:00 AM

With the visitors missing star striker Radamel Falcao, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides believes under 2.5 goals is the best bet for Thursday's game at Evens

Tonight's cup clash in Seville could be a highly entertaining encounter as an attractive Real Betis side go for goals against Atletico Madrid.

The first leg saw the Rojiblancos secure a 2-0 win thanks in large part to Atletico's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who pulled of a number of world class saves to prevent Betis for scoring an all important away goal.

That clean sheet gives Atleti the comfort of knowing that should they manage to score in the Estadio Benito Villamarin, the hosts would need four goals to progress.

Bet365 price Betis at 2/1 (3.00) to claim the win, while Atletico are offered at 11/8 (2.37), which is itself is an attractive price for one of the most effective and impressive sides in the Spanish top flight.

There is a reason why Diego Simeone's men have been in second place in the table for the majority of the season, with the Argentine instilling in his side something that had been missing - the ability to close out games.

Each of their last three matches have been won by a scoreline of 2-0 with Atleti keeping a clean sheet in 12 of their last 16 competitive games.

The side from Madrid know that should they keep another clean sheet tonight they will be through to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, so expect them to do everything they can to keep things tight while attempting to hit Betis on the counterattack.

Under 2.5 goals is a bet which has paid out in each of Atletico's last six matches, and with six of Betis' last eight games seeing less than three goals, this bet looks to be the way forward, offered at evens (2.00).

For a value bet, back a goalless first half at 2/1 (3.00) a bet which has paid out in each of Atletico's last two away matches.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Under 2.5 goals at Evens (2.00) with Bet365

0-0 first half at 2/1 (3.00) with Bet365

Sign up with Bet365 for up to £200 in free bets and back Phil's selections for this match

Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on TV in Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.

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