Well who could have predicted the results we saw in the first leg with both German sides thumping 4 goals past their Spanish counterparts. This result well and truly enhances the reputation of German football and puts it very much in the same league as the Premier League and La Liga. One thing is for sure as we come into these second legs is that the Spanish sides will play their natural style and will be very tough to stop on their home turf. As usual a lot will rest on the shoulders of Messi and Ronaldo if they are both to make it through to the final.
Real Madrid ($1.65) Versus Borussia Dortmund ($5.4), Draw ($4.7)
- First Leg Result: Dortmund 4 – 1 Real Madrid
Stunned in their first leg by some brilliant form of Lewandowski, Real Madrid has a lot of work to do if they are to make the final. They have two things in their favour being they play at home and an away goal which could be critical. Real Madrid has been a little patchy in terms of results throughout the tournament compared to their usual standards but all but 1 of their home fixtures has been over 2.5 goals with only Manchester United keeping it under 2.5 with a 1-1 draw. When looking at Dortmund, their two earlier fixtures with Real Madrid during the group stages were both over 2.5 goals where they tellingly had a strong 2-2 draw the last time they played at the Bernabeau. Dortmund will no doubt look to defend their lead early on as Real Madrid will be throwing everything at them to get the scoreboard ticking in the first 15 minutes. If Real Madrid score early then it’s game on and over 2.5 goals looks the best bet yet again. This is a chance for Ronaldo to show he is better than Messi, a game where he can turn a 3 goal deficit into Real Madrid progressing to the final – that would be special. It will surely come down to Ronaldo magic and an away goal to decide the result.
Predicted result: Real Madrid 3 – 1
Confidence: 75%
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.44 with a little more value in over 3.5 at $2.06 not far off the mark.
Barcelona ($1.96) Versus Bayern Munich ($3.9), Draw ($4.1)
- First Leg Result: Bayern Munich 4 – 0 Barcelona
Barcelona are obviously in a much tougher position compared to their Spanish rivals in Real Madrid with a 4 goal deficit and a wounded Messi who still looked injured and out of touch in the first leg. Much like Real Madrid’s reliance on Ronaldo it will come down to how Messi can influence the outcome though if he plays in the same way against this formidable Bayern side then they have no chance of going through. Of course some of the Bayern goals were questionable in the first leg but this happens all the time in football and Barcelona didn’t look overly convincing in general play with their passing game faltering throughout. Although Bayern has only conceded 5 goals in their 5 away games throughout the tournament, it may not follow this trend in this game. It seemed in the first leg that Barca suffered down the wings with Barca’s full backs having to be more accountable in defence than they usually would against the likes of Ribery and Robben. With Alba suspended, this could yet again be something Bayern expose with Robben capable of turning any game. Bayern could be excused for parking the bus but with such a big lead they will probably play their natural game early knowing that Barca attacking from the outset could give them an early opportunity with an away goal (or 2) to seal a place in the final for Bayern.
Predicted result: Draw 2-2
Confidence: 70%
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.57
Please Note:
All of the above are the opinions of the author and are not recommendations or advice. Bet at your own risk.
All of our information is provided free. Thanks.
Please Gamble Responsibly!
