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Qarabag v Atletico Madrid Betting: Visitors look to grind out narrow win in Azerbaijan

Atletico Madrid head to Azerbaijan looking to avoid an upset as they face FK Qarabag in matchday three of the Champions League.

The visitors go with the feeling that they missed a glorious chance domestically at the weekend, as for around an hour Los Rojiblancos were the better team against Barcelona but could not add to their 1-0 lead, before conceding late on to draw to extend Diego Simeone's unwanted record of nevr beating the Blaugrana in La Liga.

The focus for Atletico is now back on European affairs and they travel east following three matches without a win in all competitions, a run they will feel is too long - although it should end on Wednesday against Qarabag.

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Simeone's only defeat of the season came on matchday two in this tournament, losing 2-1 at home to a Chelsea side that thrashed Qarabag by a 6-0 scoreline. The La Liga side outfit are priced at 2/9 (1.22) with bet365 to beat the Azerbaijani champions, who themselves are offered at a huge 18/1 (19.00) for the win. 

Traveling to unchartered territory is something that Atletico have been tasked with in the last few years in the group stages of the Champions League, as 2015 saw them claim a 0-0 draw in Kazahkstan against Astana, while last year they travelled to Russian outpost Rostov and claimed a 1-0 win.

Qarabag Atletico graphic

Indeed, Atletico are the masters of the low-scoring away group game, with eight of their last nine group matches on the road seeing less than 2.5 goals.

A repeat is offered at the tempting price of 23/20 (2.15) and there should be plenty of interest in this selection; this certainly appeals more than backing the visitors to win to nil at 4/6 (1.66) or investing in a win for Atleti with a -1 handicap at 8/13 (1.61).

Given the long distance traveled, the unfamiliar early kick off time and Atleti's previous results on the road in the groups, backing less than three goals makes perfect sense - especially considering the generous price. 

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