Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first, where Atletico Madrid comfortably managed to get a win for their backers @1.25. The host never shone in the first half but always looked set to win even before the goal which came early in the 2nd period.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest where Atletico -1.75 earned a half win @ 2.04. The Elche red card late in the first half would have seen this market remain pretty much at this line at halftime. The host then scored right after they had a man sent off on 53 minutes and 10v10, 2-0 was always far more probable than 1-1. All things considered; the line was about correct with hindsight.
Looking at The Under/Over market last of all where the line was set at 2.75. Given the 2-0 result and the bad-tempered nature of the match, Under was the way to go here. As mentioned in our preview, Elche would struggle to score at the Wanda Metropolitano and set up very defensively to frustrate. They had one big chance out of nowhere at 1-1, but once at 2-0, Atletico was content to sit on the lead and kill time.
Match summary
It wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for Atlético Madrid who had Hermoso sent off while it was 0-0 on 53 minutes. However, thanks to an improved 2nd half-showing and a goal shortly after the red, they ended up easing to a professional 2-0 home victory over Elche.
Hard-working but predictable Elche received two red cards during the 90 minutes, with the first one given by VAR right before the halftime break.
The first half was a tight match lacking in quality. Boosted by a new manager impact, Elche was well-organised and highly committed but did nothing as an attacking unit.
Atlético struggled to break their opponents down but were given a boost in stoppage time when Verdu was sent off. He brought down Morata who would have been clean through on goal.
The home side came out and missed a big chance early in the 2nd period but didn’t let the red card to Mario Hermoso detract from their momentum, scoring soon after with a fine goal from Félix.
The highly sought-after forward was Atletico’s best player and he headed home Griezmann’s first-time chipped cross to cap a sweeping move and ease nerves in a less-than-full stadium.
Elche missed their best chance when Pere Milla directed his clear header wide. That moment woke the host up and the missed opportunity proved pivotal as Atlético doubled their lead almost immediately. Morata’s deflected goal carried some good fortune but wasn’t undeserved.
Elche sub Quina was sent off late on for two yellow cards in the space of four minutes, leaving the visitors with nine men, but the match was already in added time. Fair score 2-0.
