Football Bet of the Day: Super Sorloth set to star again

Atletico Madrid take a 2-0 lead into the home leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona, and with them adrift in La Liga yet all but guaranteed fourth place, Diego Simeone is clearly prioritising this competition and the Copa del Rey. A first European semi-final since winning the Europa League in 2017-18 is Simeone's goal, and his use of his substitutes could prove key again at the Metropolitano.

After Julian Alvarez opened the scoring at Camp Nou from the free-kick awarded for the challenge by Pau Cubarsi that resulted in the Barcelona defender being sent off, Alexander Sorloth emerged from the bench to double the advantage. The Norwegian has a habit of netting against the Blaugrana and few would be surprised to see him conclude the scoring again. Read on for the Football Bet of the Day.

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Odds

Last season, Sorloth made little secret of his frustration that Simeone often prefers to use him as a replacement rather than from the start, especially in big games.

However, the 30-year-old's effort at Camp Nou was the first of the 20 goals he has scored this season to come as a substitute, but he started in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Sevilla, making it likely he will again be left in reserve on Tuesday.

That could be a clever ploy, though. Not only will it fire Sortloth up, but his presence as he prowls the touchline won't go unnoticed by the Barcelona defence, given his record when facing them.

The forward has netted seven goals and provided three assists in 14 career appearances against Barca.

Sorloth was introduced bang on the hour mark at Camp Nou and with Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann likely to start after being left on the bench against Sevilla, expect the Norwegian to come on wound up and ready to go in the second half.

Barcelona will also be missing Cubarsi following his red card, and with Gerard Martin a doubt and Andreas Christensen a long-term absentee, Eric Garcia may need to drop back from central midfield and into his previous defensive role.

In short, there is little to intimidate Sorloth, who is bigger than almost all of his opponents and also extremely smart.

His goal last week was the perfect case in point, ensuring he stayed onside before slipping behind Martin and then darting in front of the youngster and whipping home Matteo Ruggeri's cross past Joan Garcia.

Sorloth concluded the scoring in the first leg and he is a mean price to repeat the feat on Tuesday.

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