Wednesday 23/04/2014, 21:00, Champions League, Semifinals, Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Betting Preview
Real Madrid has only theoretical changes of winning the Primera Divison, as they need Atletico Madrid to suffer a total meltdown in the remaining rounds. More likely is for the two Spanish teams to lock horn in the Champions League final, but in order to get that far they will need to outshine Bayern Munchen. The Germans are the reigning champions and the hottest team in Europe, so this is easier said than done.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Betting Odds
At William Hill
Real Madrid 2.50, Draw 3.30, Bayern Munich 2.80
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Betting Tips
The last couple of weeks have been quite intense for Real Madrid who allowed six goals in two games played against Sevilla and Barcelona. Those consecutive defeats ruined their chances of winning the domestic league, but they rebounded since and are now in great shape.
Real won 5 consecutive games without conceding a goal before losing away from home in Dortmund, but they didn't suffer more than a big scare. More important is the victory over archrivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, that brought them the first important trophy this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been sidelined with an injury but he is finally recovered and ready to play an entire game. It will be interesting to see him perform against Bayern after spending 2 weeks on the bench, but the early training went as planned and he should be fit enough to last all 90 minutes.
The visitors ended their winning streak earlier this month, by losing away from home at Augsburg and then suffered another defeat at home to Dortmund. Nothing could derail their Bundesliga plans though and Bayern was recently crowned champion, hardly a surprising outcome.
The last couple of games saw Bayern playing more pragmatically and even the double legged Champions League round with Manchester United didn't follow the pattern expected. Guardiola is more careful with his backline and scoring goals is no longer the top priority. It is a smart change of strategy ahead of the game with Real Madrid, one of the best defensive teams in Europe, with plenty of options upfront.
Key Facts
- Bayern will be without Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri, who were left in Germany to mend their wounds and are expected to play only in the second leg
- Cristiano Ronaldo will be on the pitch but it is uncertain how he will perform and whether he has fully recovered after his injury
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Betting Prediction
The best choice for this game is to bet on Bayern Munchen to prevail, but risk-averse punters will appreciate the draw no bet option. Just as the name suggests, stakes are returned if the game ends undecided, which is quite possible for this Champions League semifinal.
Bet: Bayern Munchen Draw no Bet @ 2.15 with William Hill
