The path to the Champions League final gets decided this week as we finish off the Semi Finals with the 2nd legs. The 1st legs produced a bit of the good and the bad with Manchester City and Real Madrid producing a bit of a drab affair with a 0-0 draw. The other fixture produced a little more with Atletico Madrid in some ways causing a bit of an upset against Bayern Munich. It leaves things in both matches well balanced with each side almost having an equal chance of making it through. For Manchester City it will be a massive result if they manage to get through away at Real Madrid and for Bayern you would expect them to be pretty intent in this 2nd leg at home.

**Odds from Sportsbet as at 2nd May

Bayern Munich ($1.57) versus Atletico Madrid ($6), Draw ($3.9)

Plenty of opportunities for Bayern in the first leg with 21 attempts and the lion’s share of possession with 74%. Bayern though will need to make the most of their chances if they are to get through though because far too often good chances disappointed in the 1st leg. With that said though, the stats should trend the same way in this match as I wouldn’t be expecting Atletico to be proactive in attack except when on the counter attack. It’s clear that defence is Atletico’s strength and from that they can build dangerous attacks and that again could serve them well in this match. This is of course though Bayern Munich away and they don’t often lose at home having lost just once at home this season in all competitions.
As for a result, the strength of Atletico’s defence looks like it will cause a few more headaches for Bayern but I don’t think it will be to the extent that Bayern won’t take their chances. They’ll create plenty of chances and perhaps it might just be that single chance being needed which could see this one going through to extra time.

Predicted score: Bayern Munich 1-0
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.82 (85%)
Next Best: Half-Time Draw at $2.2

Real Madrid ($1.53) versus Manchester City ($6), Draw ($4.33)

The first leg was a bit of a dull affair with no goals but there’s hope that the shackles will be broken in this second leg. There is of course still injury doubts over Ronaldo though he has recently returned to training. It’ll be interesting to see if he’s risked from the start given his lack of fitness but he could be the catalyst for a result as a substitute if this game goes down to the wire. If that turns out to be the scenario it would again leave Bale to be the main man and he’ll need to step up if he’s to get a result for his side here. He has of course scored late winners in their last 2 league games but will need to transfer that form into the Champions League if Real are to get through here with a Ronaldo not at 100%.
For Manchester City a 0-0 draw in the first leg in a lot of ways isn’t a terrible result as it keeps them will in this. If they manage to score first that will put a lot of pressure on Real to push on for a result here. They’ve managed their squad well also with a number of key players rested at the weekend against Southampton and that little bit of extra rest could put them in a good position here where late in the season fatigue starts to come into play a little bit. Adding in the injury to Benzema as well as the fitness cloud over Ronaldo and there’s a recipe for Manchester City to go against the odds in this one.

Predicted score: Draw 1-1
Best Bet: Manchester City to score 1 or more goals at $1.57 (80%)
Next Best: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.8