Champions League action is back this week with two massive fixtures ahead. Manchester City have had somewhat of a breakthrough season in the Champions League but they will need to navigate their way past a formidable opponent in Real Madrid if they want to reach the final. The other Semi looks like another great matchup with Atletico Madrid facing off against Bayern Munich. Could we see a final between a Manchester City and Atletico Madrid or will the traditional heavyweights in Real Madrid and Bayern Munich flex their muscle to make it to the final? Let’s see what might unfold in these first legs.
**Odds from Sportsbet as at 26th April
Manchester City ($3) versus Real Madrid ($2.37), Draw ($3.4)
This season’s Champions League has been a dream run for Manchester City having now made it through to the Semi Finals where previously they had failed to get past the round of 16. It has been in contrast to their somewhat stuttering form in the league at times this season but for this one they have a bit of momentum after a solid 4-0 win over Stoke at the weekend. Contrasting opposition of course in Real Madrid in this first leg but any win is a good win in the lead up to such a big match. The last time these two met was back in 2012 in the group stages where it was relatively close across both games. City managed a 1-1 draw at home having lost by just the 1 goal in their away leg 3-2. They will have some inspiration from Real Madrid’s Quarter Final results as well where Wolfsburg won their home leg 2-0 so if they can repeat such an effort then they are right in this contest. A blow to their chances is the loss of Yaya Toure due to an injury he picked up at Stoke. He hasn’t been as damaging as previous seasons but he’s still a big threat especially in such big matches as this. They will have some pretty fresh legs though with Aguero and David Silva not plying more than 65 minutes against Stoke whilst De Bruyne was rested.
As for a result this looks like a relatively even one. City will be keen to put their stamp on this early but they’ve been prone to concede silly goals this season and that will keep Real Madrid’s brutal attack well in this.
Predicted score: Draw 2-2
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.65 (85%)
Next Best: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.53
Atletico Madrid ($2.8) versus Bayern Munich ($2.62), Draw ($3.2)
This should be another great contest but I fear that Bayern might be just too strong across the two legs. Atletico may not admit it but they’re no doubt going to be focussing on playing counter attacking football here given Bayern would be expected to control a lot of this game with such a formidable line-up. It’s not to discredit their chances because after all they did knock out Barcelona in the quarter finals. The other thing to be concerned about is the absence of Diego Godin in the heart of defence for Atletico due to injury. His absence will be sorely missed and for me that gives the slightest of openings in what is normally such a tight defence. That’s all Bayern will need though as they look to take advantage into the 2nd leg.
Predicted score: Bayern Munich 1-0
Best Bet: Bayern Munich Draw No Bet at $1.76 (80%)
Next Best: Under 2.5 goals at $1.57
