Tuesday 29/04/2014, 21:00, Champions League, Semifinals, Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Betting Preview
Two of the best European teams and the top favorites to win the Champions League in 2014 meet again, this time in Germany. Real Madrid won the first leg, yet Bayern Munich starts as clear favorite to win in front of its fans, but not any victory would do. Guardiola and his players need a victory by two goals or more, in order to advance to the final, or a 1-0 triumph that will push the game into overtime. Leaving everything to chance is not exactly desirable, but it would still be better than elimination in regulation time.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Betting Odds
At William Hill
Bayern Munich 1.80, Draw 3.60, Real Madrid 4.30
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Betting Tips
In the first leg, Real Madrid played without Gareth Bale and as a result they were less dangerous in the first half. Another explanation for the subpar performance of the Spanish side is that they couldn't fully rely on Cristiano Ronaldo who was mending his injury. He played for 75 min. but he didn't shine as brightly as the hosts would expect him to.
Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the first leg and he's expected to spearhead the offensive, but Real Madrid will be more concerned about not allowing a goal. It all depends on how Bayern plays in the first half, because if the Germans score first, they are unlikely to stop there and the game could easily turn into a scoring festival.
The Spanish side was emphatic over the weekend and won without breaking a sweat, which allowed Ancelotti to rest some of his key players. As a result, his team remains in pursuit of the Primera Division title while all players are fit to play in the second leg. By comparison, Bayern will be without the same two players that missed the first leg, as Alcantara and Shaqiri are still nursing their injuries.
Key Facts
- Rafinha was the weak link in the first leg and he is expected to be kept on the bench tonight, so that Lahm can play in a position he feels more comfortable.
- Bale and Ronaldo are healthy and unless the hosts find a way of annihilating these gifted players, they are unlikely to keep a clean sheet.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Betting Prediction
Real Madrid is expected to play better than it did one week ago, which means that they should have a decent chance at scoring a goal. On the other hand, Bayern is a formidable team at home and they are probably going to win the match even if this won't be enough to make the Champions League final.
Bet: Bayern @ 1.80 with William Hill
