Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Atlético Madrid
Last week was arguably Atlético Madrid’s best of the season so far. They edged Rayo Vallecano (3:2) before dismantling Real Madrid (5:2), netting eight goals in 180 minutes. The team currently rank second in La Liga for expected goals (15.27), with only Barcelona (18.37) ahead. Two weeks ago they came close to rescuing a point at Anfield, rallying from 0:2 down against Liverpool before a nervy finish cost them in a 2:3 defeat. Performances suggest those narrow losses will soon turn into results.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt’s campaign has been a rollercoaster. They’ve seen over 2.5 goals in each of their last seven games, including a thrilling 5:1 dismantling of Galatasaray in their Champions League opener. But since the international break their defence has unravelled, conceding 10 goals across three Bundesliga matches. Against Borussia Mönchengladbach they were 6:0 up by the 47th minute, only to collapse late on and ship four goals, giving up 1.70 xG from just eight shots on target in the final 20 minutes.
Atlético Madrid vs Eintracht Frankfurt Prediction
Eintracht Frankfurt’s fragile backline looks tailor-made for Atlético Madrid’s in-form attack, especially with Julián Álvarez in red-hot touch after scoring five times last week. The Spanish side have the quality and experience to punish the Germans’ defensive lapses.
