As the last four of the UEFA Champion League nears, first, the quarter-final second legs take place on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Of the four ties, Chelsea’s lot looks the most daunting. 3-1 down to Real Madrid after the latest Karim Benzema masterclass, the Blues must score at least twice at the Bernabeu to even come close to forcing extra time. Madrid have however, failed to score in four home games this term but that was before they returned to their revamped home and only Barcelona have stopped Zinedine Zidane’s men from scoring in the Spanish capital.
Furthermore, in just two other games since the turn of the year have Real conceded two goals. In both games – again versus Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup semi-final and at home to Elche – Real netted twice also.
Chelsea’s task is tall, but could they buck the bookies’ trend at 8/1 to qualify with 888Sport and William Hill? Of course, Chelsea could still win and fail to progress, so a 4/1 bet for both teams to score and Chelsea to win with SkyBet, might suit.
In the case of Benzema, the red-hot Frenchman has netted a brace in four of the last six games in all comps and looks capable of repeating that feat again. To do so, William Hill have a best boosted price of 6/1.
In Germany, Bayern Munich entertain Villarreal with the Yellow Submarine holding a 1-0 advantage after last week. Unable to break down their Spanish opposition, the Allianz Arena is sure to provide a stiffer examination with the Bavarian wall set to roar Die Roten on. But this could still be a difficult evening as Juventus found out in the last 16. On that night, Villarreal put three past the Old Lady, but to net twice here, Unibet’s 15/4 price is interesting.
As is a boosted scorer double of Arnaut Danjuma and Robert Lewandowski at 6/1, whilst it could be a backs-to-the-wall job for the visitors and Bayern are likely to rack up the set-pieces. With particular reference to corners kicks, an accumulative bet of 8+ Bayern corners will fetch evens, 7/4 for 9+ or 11/4 for 10+ – all with SkyBet. For Villarreal to qualify, SBK are dangling 27/10 odds.
Back in Madrid on Wednesday night, Manchester City look to complete the job against Atletico with a one-goal advantage. Ahead of their first trip to the Wanda Metropolitano, City took a point against Liverpool on Sunday and face them again in the Emirates FA Cup this weekend with a few cards set to be shuffled in Pep Guardiola’s pack. With just one goal in the first leg, Los Rojiblancos will look to keep it tight and stay in the game here so the unders market is definitely one to examine. Indeed, a price of 5/2 with SportNation for under 1.5 goals should not be sniffed at.
Atletico should also not be written off at home and just like at the Etihad, backing Joao Felix to score in 90 mins is not a foolhardy punt. At 18/5 with Unibet, the Portuguese forward will be danger to City’s last four hopes.
The final game sees Liverpool in a commanding position as they entertain Benfica at Anfield. Given that their well-documented Cup game with the Citizens will be just three days away however, caution could be the watchword. With energy conservation in mind, the Reds may be in the mood for another tight but controlled win and with a 2-0 winning scoreline being their most often result this term – on no less than 10 occasions this term – a fourth 2-0 win in seven for Liverpool will see you for a boosted 7/1with Betway.
