Celtic will have to upset the odds if they are to get anything from their opening Europa League match against Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. The Scottish side head to Spain for the Group I clash at the Vincente Calderon Stadium as 7/1 underdogs, with Atletico looking worthy favourites at odds of 2/5 with Bet 365 bookmakers.
The draw can be backed at odds of 7/2 and that might be the limit of Celtic's ambitions as they look to reverse an ugly run of away form. They have failed to win away from home in their last six attempts, losing four, in the Europa League and their record against Spanish opposition is little better.
They have failed to win on their last eleven visits to Spanish opposition in Europe, losing eight, and they have only managed to score one goal in the last five against Spanish sides.
It doesn't bode well for a match against Atletico, who are renowned for their defensive steel under new coach Gregorio Manzano. He has overseen a run of four clean sheets in their first six matches of the season, during which time they have conceded only two. We fancy they could be well worth backing to win to nil on Thursday and that is available at odds of 5/4 with B365.
They have struggled in La Liga, drawing one and losing one, so far and both of those games have involved under 2.5 goals, with under 2.5 available at a nicely priced 43/40 this week.
Meanwhile, Celtic probably consider themselves luck to be in the competition at all as they replaced FC Sion, the team who beat them 3-1 in qualifiers, after the Swiss side were found guilty of fielding ineligible players. However, Celtic's joy was short-lived as they must do without the injured Scott Brown and Anthony Stokes, while Daniel Majstrorovic is suspended and Badr El-Kaddouri is cup-tied.
Manager Neil Lennon might have half an eye on the Old Firm SPL clash against Rangers on Sunday, but he would do well to remind his players of the threat posed by Atletico's Radamel Falcao.
The Colombian striker took a liking to this tournament last year, scoring a record 17 goals in 14 appearances, as he helped Porto win the tournament. He scored 39 goals in 42 outings for the Portuguese side before moving to Madrid for €40m in the summer, and he starts as hot favourite at 7/2 to be first scorer with Bet365.com.
His Madrid side have never lost to a Scottish team at home and it is difficult to see that trend ending against this Celtic outfit, with the correct score of 1-0 the 11/2 favourite result at this stage.
Atletico Madrid v Celtic Form
Check the season's statistics for both Atletico Madrid and Celtic plus the odds ahead of Thursday's match.
Atletico Madrid Stats | Celtic Stats
Atletico Madrid v Celtic Tips
Tip #1: Radamel Falcao to score first @ 7/2 with Bet365.com
Tip #2: Atletico Madrid to win to nil @ 5/4 with Bet365.com
Tip #3: Under 2.5 goals @ 43/40 with Bet365.com
Match Betting
2/5 Atletico Madrid
7/2 Draw
7/1 Celtic
Correct Score Odds
11/2 Atletico Madrid 1-0
6/1 Atletico Madrid 2-0
7/1 Atletico Madrid 2-1
12/1 Draw 0-0
15/2 Draw 1-1
18/1 Draw 2-2
18/1 Celtic 1-0
40/1 Celtic 2-0
20/1 Celtic 2-1
First Goalscorer Odds
7/2 Radamel Falcao
9/2 Diego Costa
9/2 Eduardo Salvio
9/2 Pizzi
5/1 Adrian
11/2 Diego
6/1 Arda Turan
17/2 Gary Hooper
9/1 Alberto Noguera
9/1 Gabi
9/1 Jose Reyes
Odds supplied by Bet365.com, plus over 100 other betting markets on this match and all the week's Europa League matches, including live betting in-running.
Posted: Wednesday, 14th September 2011
Author: Chris James
Tags: europa league, atletico madrid, celtic, falcao, bet365,
 | PAOK V Spurs Odds Greek Side Could Upset Tottenham Harry Redknapp could field a young side in Group A opener | 14th Sep |
 | Man City V Napoli Odds Aguero Short Priced In The Betting To Be First Scorer City favourites to start with a win | 13th Sep |
 | Benfica V Man Utd Odds Back United To Win To Nil In Group C Clash Rooney hot favourite to score first | 13th Sep |
 | Barcelona V AC Milan Odds Fabregas Could Provide Value In The Anytime Scorer Betting Former Arsenal midfielder has scored three in four matches for Barca | 12th Sep |
 | Borussia Dortmund V Arsenal Odds Score Draw Looks A Good Bet For Group F Clash Both sides struggling for form in their domestic leagues | 12th Sep |
Headline News
 | Leeds Rhinos V St Helens Odds Michael Shenton A Good Bet To Score First Try Rhinos Odds On At Headingley |
 | Bonfire Clipped In The Latest Epsom Derby Betting Following Key Trial Win 2000 Guineas Winner Camelot Remains Favourite |
 | Barcelona Head The Betting For The 2013 Champions League Defending Champions Chelsea Only Fifth Favourites |
 | West Ham Odds On To Stay Up On Return To The Premier League Next Season Hammers Short Priced For A Bottom Half Finish Though |
 | As Semi Finals Approach Who Is Favourite In The Voice Betting Odds Could Bo Be A Dark Horse? |
BRAND NEW £250 free bets offer.
Open Account - Free £250 Bets With Paddypower
£25 free bet with William Hill.
Open Account - Claim £25 Free With William Hill
Claim a massive £50 free bet with teh leading bookmaker Ladbrokes
Open Account - Free £50 Bet at Ladbrokes
The UK based bookmaker Betfred is now offering a £50 free bet for new clients.
Open Account - Free £50 Bet With Betfred
New £50 free bet offer.
Open Account - Free £50 Bet With Coral
BetVictor is offering £100 in free bets to all new clients.
Open Account - Open Account - Free £100 Bets With BetVictor
Up to £200 worth of free bets with Bet365.
Open Account - Claim £200 Free With Bet365
Those looking for some online casino entertainment ought to check out all the latest UK Casino Sign Up offers from the top operators including 32Red and many of the sports betting casinos.
There is excellent information, should you be interested in playing online blackjack, roulette, the best progressives or slots - Online Casino Betting with the best introductory offers
Bookmark This Page