Valencia to shock Atletico Madrid in opening match of the season
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Valencia meet Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla on Monday night. Valencia were the surprise package in La Liga last term. Los Che flirted with the top of the table until Christmas before losing some of their momentum.
Valencia still managed a fourth-place finish and qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2015. Atletico finished second and kicked off their season this week by beating archrivals Real Madrid to win the UEFA Super Cup. Diego Simeone’s side exerted a lot of energy to win their first trophy of the year, which may have negative effects on the club on Monday night.
Atletico had a fantastic summer transfer window. Not only did the club sign Thomas Lemar, Rodri, and Santiago Arias, but Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak both signed new contracts with the club. If one club in the Primera is going to give Barcelona a title challenge, then it is going to be Simeone’s men.
The question surrounding Valencia is whether they can replicate the form they showcased last season. Los Che were a hard team to beat and never stopped working during their fixtures. Marcelino’s tactics were executed well by his players and this summer saw Valencia keep their top personnel. The club added quality to the squad and will challenge for a top four spot once more. A hot start while losing momentum could occur once more due to Marcelino’s high energy tactics.
Valencia were La Liga’s third best home team last season. They won 13 of 19 matches at the Mestalla and allowed just 16 goals. The figure was the fourth best by a home side in 2017-18. Valencia were able to take points off of Atletico at the Mestalla last term as they frustrated Simeone in a nil-nil draw in the season’s third match.
Atletico did post the second-best away points total a season ago. The side won 14 of 19 matches away from the Wanda. The Mattress Makers posted the fewest goals allowed on the road as well (14) while scoring the fourth most away goals (28).
Los Che don’t have a great record against Atletico in their last six fixtures. Valencia are winless in six games, including five defeats. Last season saw fewer than 1.5 goals scored in the teams’ two Primera matches. Three times in their last six matches there have been more than 2.5 goals.
Atletico do have the benefit of playing on Monday night. They exerted a lot of energy over the course of 120 minutes against Real Madrid in the cup. That exertion will allow Valencia to surprise the UEFA Super Cup winners. Valencia can shock Atletico and pick up a win to start the season.
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