Real Madrid vs Apoel Nicosia Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 11/09/2017, 14:45  by | Modified on 11/09/2017 at 15:58 in Champions League Predictions

Real Madrid have won the Champions League for the past two seasons and despite a lack of superstar signings during the summer, they will make a strong bid to complete a hat-trick of wins. Their league season hasn't gotten off to the start they'd like with five points from three games and two straight home draws. The fact Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended hasn't helped them but that doesn't count for the Champions League which isn't good news for APOEL. Madrid  are on a 15 game unbeaten run in the Champions League last losing to Schalke 04 in 2015 and the previous defeat before that was in 2012 by Bayern Munich. APOEL Nicosia have certainly drawn the short straw having to face Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham. They had to fight their way through three qualifying rounds to reach the group stages. Their second tie proved difficult needing extra time to get past Viltorul Constanta and then beat Slavia Prague in the play-off round thanks to two goals in the first ten minutes of the home first leg. Last season saw them reach the last sixteen of the Europa League but this is their first time in the Champions League group stages since the 2014-15 season.  The two sides met in the quarter finals of the 2011-12 Champions League with Madrid winning 8-2 on aggregate. They have only won two of their last 21 away Champions League games and the tip here is to go for Real Madrid on a -2 handicap.