First-round Copa del Rey action features a David-vs-Goliath encounter as UE Vic welcome Atletico Madrid to Estadio Hipolit Planas. Though UE Vic comes into this tie fresh from a comprehensive 4-0 win over Mahon, they undoubtedly begin the tie in a rather weakened position as they welcome one of the strong football giants of Spain, Atletico Madrid. Here’s a full preview of what awaits in this interesting encounter.
Match Preview and Betting Prediction
UE Vic:
UE Vic came into this stage of the Copa del Rey with an impressive 4-0 thrashing of Mahon, where Marcel Pujol was the hero as his excellent headed goal made most radars for Thursday’s game against Atletico Madrid. However, facing off against the side from Madrid is a tall order for this sixth-tier team. They will bank on home turf and also a hardworking squad, but all odds are against UE Vic.
Atletico Madrid:
Atletico Madrid enters the Copa del Rey with all intentions of regrouping after a slight depression in form characterized by consecutive losses to Lille in the Champions League and Real Betis in La Liga. Under Diego Simeone, Atletico is known to take every match seriously. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann and the rest would be very keen to get back to winning ways and can be expected to make the most of the visit by a lowly-liegend side. The likes of Alexander Sorloth, Javi Galan, Angel Correa, Thomas Lemar, and Giuliano Simeone will be hopeful of forcing their way into the starting lineup. However, Simeone will need to contend with injuries to Clement Lenglet, Gonzalo Barrios, Marcos Llorente, Enzo Le Normand, and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Prediction:
UE Vic will most definitely make this tie a fight, but the experience and depth of the squad for Atletico Madrid in La Liga should win them this game convincingly. An expected score would be a 3-1 win in favor of Atletico due to their desperate need to bounce back and serious approach by Simeone in each fixture.
Key Players to Watch
Highlighted Player – Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid):
Griezmann is one of the most dynamic strikers in Europe, with a host of clubs circling for his services. The Frenchman started off his career with Real Sociedad before becoming an established player at Atletico. Technically gifted and with great speed, Griezmann can also score goals. He will probably play a big part in Atletico’s attack. He has featured for France in international successes, including a triumph in the U19 European Championships, and has continued to be an important figure in club and country.
UE Vic – Marcel Pujol:
Midfielder Marcel Pujol will be the key for UE Vic as he tries to break through the stout Atletico defense. His headed goal against Mahon in the recent encounter showed he is pretty good in the air, and he’ll be a critical figure for the home side as they look to cause an upset.
Match Details and Betting Tips
Match Date: October 31, 2024
Kickoff Time: 09:00 PM
Venue: Estadio Hipolit Planas, UE Vic’s home ground
Atletico Madrid goes into the match as the heavy favorite. The match is a chance for fans and punters to try and guess the winning margin, so the best prediction is a 3-1 win to the La Liga team.
Summary
This would be a Copa del Rey matchup in which UE Vic will find it very difficult to emerge victorious against the men from Atletico Madrid. With the determination of getting back into form and experience of such players like Griezmann, Atletico is expected to record an easy win, though the resilience of UE Vic at home should ensure it is a competitive match.
