Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid Betting Odds, Preview, Prediction

Atletico Madrid played to a 1-1 draw at Barcelona in the first leg of this Champions League tie, but they remain an underdog even back home in the second leg Wednesday.

Not only are these two teams battling it out for a Champions League semifinals berth, but they are also the top two teams in La Liga and fighting for the domestic crown.

Most sportsbooks monitored by Bleacher Report’s lines partner OddsShark.com had Barcelona as the Champions League betting favorite posted at +120, with Atletico at +240 and a draw line of +260.

These teams have played to four draws this season, two in the Super Cup, once in league play and in the last Champions League match.

Atletico Madrid played great defense in the first leg even though Barca dominated the time of possession (71 percent to 29 percent) and took 13 more shots (19-6).

Neymar scored the lone goal in the first leg, and he is the only Barca player that has scored against Atletico this season. Can Atletico bottle up Lionel Messi and Neymar yet again?

That is the big question for this crucial match.

Atletico’s defense has been in top form, as they have allowed just three goals in their last eight matches. In La Liga play, Atletico not only has allowed the fewest goals, but they also have the fewest losses.

The draw in the first leg snapped Barca’s five-match winning streak.

Diego Ribas scored the goal for Atletico in the first leg, but Barca played solid defense against Diego Costa, who is tied with Messi with 25 goals this season.

Costa and David Villa have combined for 38 goals this season and if Barca can keep them in check, they should advance.

Has Atletico figured out how to stop Barca? In all four matches this season, Barca has dominated the time of possession, but they have no wins to show for it. Atletico will have to play mistake-free football again if they are going to score the upset in this match.

In the first leg, Atletico keeper Thibaut Courtois made a great save after Barca scored their first goal and also made a final save on Messi’s late free kick. He and the Atletico defense will be tested again, as they will not press the envelope on offense.

Prediction: 3-1 Barcelona