Rostov vs Atletico Madrid: Preview and Prediction

Rostov vs Atletico Madrid
UEFA Champions League – Group D
Date: Wednesday, 19th October, 2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK.
Venue: Olimp 2, Rostov-on-don.

The Russian newcomers Rostov have shown that they are no pushovers by holding PSV Eindhoven to a 2-2 draw at home on matchday 2. The team showed good composure and fighting spirit especially after coming from a 5-0 heavy defeat from the hands of Bayern Munich on the opening day. As we pointed out in our analysis for matchday 2, Rostov must be considered a team capable of troubling any opponent at home. They are unbeaten at home this season and are also in three Champions League fixtures including two from qualifying round. The most memorable will be the 4-1 thrashing of Eredivisie side Ajax.

Atletico Madrid earned a priceless 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in their second fixture of Group D. With the win at Eindhoven by a same margin they top the group with 6 points. Diego Simeone’s side are unbeaten in 12 competitive matches this season, winning 7 during the period. They had a troubled start when they were held to consecutive draws by newly promoted sides Alaves and Leganes in the first two La Liga fixture. They have grown in season as the season progressed and are also top of the Spanish La Liga standings.

Rostov vs Atletico Madrid: Head-to-head Stats

This will be the first head-to-head meeting between Atletico Madrid and FK Rostov in a competitive match. Also, Rostov will be playing against a Spanish side for the first time.

Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in their four previous visits to Russia with 2 wins and 2 draws. Their overall record against Russian clubs is 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from 7 matches.

Rostov vs Atletico Madrid: Prediction

Rostov are unbeaten at home in all tournaments this season. Their 9 matches produced 6 wins and 3 draws. But this will be the first time that they are hosting a side of Atletico’s stature for a competitive match. On current form, no one can doubt that Atletico will leave Russia without bagging the full three points. However, they might be forced to work a little harder than usual in this particular fixture.

Atletico could eventually get their win, but that will be only by the sake of a narrow margin. So it is better to back Rostov on a +1.5 Asian handicap.