Atletico Madrid’s Late Goals Make Them a Threat in La Liga

Atletico Madrid have made a habit of scoring late goals this season and that continued as they scored two late goals at the Camp Nou to secure a 4-4 draw in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey semi-final vs Barcelona.

With Real Madrid awaiting them in the Champions League and the team in the thick of a three-horse race for La Liga, Atleti’s never say die attitude and tremendous performances in the big games could see them upset the apple cart in Spanish football.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Late Goals Trend to Continue Against Bilbao

Atletico Madrid were disappointing last season so they chose to act decisively in the summer transfer window. The signings of Robin Le Normand and Conor Gallagher strengthened the team in deeper areas, but it was their attacking signings that grabbed headlines. Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth were both brought in to support Antoine Griezmann in the attacking third. 

Alvarez was their most expensive acquisition. The former Manchester City attacker has scored an average of 0.52 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes over the past year. He also ranks highly for progressive passes, progressive carries and tackles, making him an ideal fit for a Simeone’s side. Sorloth, on the other hand, scored the second most goals in La Liga last season with 23. The pair have rarely started together of late but both have nine league goals to their name and both have had an impact off the bench. 

Atleti’s strong bench has helped them score the most goals in the 76th minute and beyond in La Liga. Los Colchoneros have scored an average of 0.72 goals per game in this period, 0.16 more than Barcelona who rank second in the Spanish top flight for late goals. The tendency to score late goals is perpetuated by Simeone’s intensity. The long-serving Atletico Madrid boss has a reputation for being a great motivator and this group of players look to have bought into his methods. 

Los Colchoneros have scored seven goals in the last 15 minutes (plus stoppage time) in their last six matches. Therefore, we are backing a late goal when they come up against Athletic Bilbao this weekend. Atletico Madrid snatched a 92nd winner when these teams met in August. Our bet also landed the last time that Athletic Bilbao visited the Riyadh Air Metropolitana. 

Atleti are the Value Bet in La Liga

Atletico Madrid are just a point behind both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race for La Liga but they are the longest odds of the three by quite some distance. They are conceding an average of 0.64 goals per game, meaning they have the best defensive record in the league. Their sturdy backline, coupled with their tendency to score late goals, could help them overcome their rivals and secure a third title of Simeone’s reign. 

Los Colchoneros are also enjoying a fantastic run. They have lost just one of their last 25 matches across all competitions, winning 20. Over that period, they have scored 1.76 more goals per game than their opponents. Atleti have proven they are capable of the consistency required to win the league once more and they have also played their most difficult fixtures. 

Atletico Madrid have home advantage the next time they face Barcelona. They won 2-1 thanks to a 96th minute winner from Alexander Sorloth in the reverse fixture. Los Colchoneros have also earned two draws with Real Madrid in La Liga so they won’t need to face the reigning champions again.

Real Madrid have failed to win any of their last eight matches against Atletico Madrid in normal time. However, they have beaten them in extra time on three occasions during that run. This is a bad omen ahead of their Champions League encounter but it’s clear that Simeone’s men will put up a fight. 

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