Atlético make Top 8 hopes tricky: Simeone’s side crunch the numbers | OneFootball

Atlético de Madrid faced a crucial match against Galatasaray, aiming to secure their place in the Top 8 of the Champions League. However, the sharing of points at RAMS Park did not benefit Simeone’s team, which, with the rest of the results from this round 7, leaves them in twelfth place. Therefore, everything will be decided in the last matchday, in which PSG, Newcastle, Chelsea, Barcelona, Sporting CP, Manchester City, Atalanta, and Atlético de Madrid themselves are all tied with 13 points.

A total of eight teams face a final matchday where scoring big will be key. Atlético de Madrid will face Bodø/Glimt. Simeone himself stated before the match against the Turkish side that a draw or a win would not be enough, but it could be. A big win against the Norwegian team would increase Cholo’s side’s chances, but in any case, they will have to keep an eye on the rest of the results, where there are even some direct clashes.

The Metropolitano’s calculations to enter the Top 8

The first thing to consider is the goal difference, which puts Atlético in twelfth place, with only a positive balance of three goals. PSG, currently sixth (the first of the eight teams with 13 points), has a positive goal difference of 10 goals. They are tied on points and goal difference with Newcastle (+10). Next are Chelsea (+6), Barcelona (+5), Sporting CP (+5), Manchester City (+4), Atlético themselves (+3), and Atalanta (+1).

Scoring big is key. Increasing the number of goals in favor may be necessary to have a chance of entering the Top 8. The positive side is that there will be direct clashes between several teams. PSG and Newcastle, both with 13 points, will face each other in Paris. If Atlético wins, aiming for a spot in the Champions Top 8, they could overtake one or both teams, depending on the final result. Meanwhile, Chelsea, the last team currently in the top eight, will visit a Napoli side outside the Top 24 but still with a chance to advance. The Diego Armando Maradona Stadium could help Cholo’s men.

Barcelona has the easiest task, hosting Copenhagen at home. And depending on the various scenarios and the need for other results, Atlético will be hoping for a good result from Athletic, who host Sporting CP at San Mamés, a team above Atlético in the standings. Manchester City will host Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium, and after reducing Atlético’s chances of entering the Top 8, they could help them in the final matchday. Atleti will also be keeping an eye on Union SG – Atalanta, in a series of matches that will all be played on Wednesday starting at 21:00.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.