UCL: Who are the favourites to reach the final?
by Constance Rigot | by Constance Rigot
Atlético - Bayern: Advantage Munich?
After eliminating Barcelona in the quarter finals, Atletico Madrid have already taken a big scalp in this seasons Champions League. For their part, Bayern had a tough two legged affair against Benfica. Keeping a clean sheet was very important at home in the first leg. Both sides are very disciplined in both attack and defense and it could come down to their efficency in front of goal which could be the difference in deciding this tie.
A good attack, the key to success
With the best goalkeeper in the world on one side and Europe’s toughest defense of the other, both sets of strikers will have to be on top of their game to find the back of the net. On paper, Bayern have the best attack in the competition with 24 goals scored. Pep Guardiola has plenty of goal machines in his side in the form of Ribery, Coman, Costa and Lewandowski. The Germans can also count on the composure of Thomas Müller and Arturo Vidal when it comes to shots from range. On the other side, Madrid seem to hold less of a cutting edge. They rely on the talent of Antoine Grizemann to bag the majority of their goals. A real problem for Simeone!
Our tip
Considering the defensive strengths of both clubs, goals could be few or far between. For Atletico, their best chance is to frustrate Bayern for as long as possible and hit them late on. However, when looking at the German’s efficiency away from home, it might be a step too far for Atleti. Bayern to qualify is priced at .
Manchester City – Real Madrid: Madrid to lose?
Nothing’s impossible. That's how one can describe Real Madrid. Finding themselves in a very bad position after their quarter-final lost to Wolfsburg (2-0), Zidane's men turned the tide at the Bernabeu the week after thanks to a hat-trick from Ronaldo (3-0). Unbelievable but typical from Real! For their part, City eliminated PSG after two legs in which they played the better football, containing the Parisian’s and dominating the tie. This time, the task is much more difficult
Do City lack experience and talent?
Winner’s of the competition on ten occasions, Real Madrid boast some of the most experienced players left in the competition. Unlike the English side who only have one winner for the UCL in their side, Yaya Toure, Los Blancos have 16 Champions League winners in their side, 17 including Zinedine Zidane. Experience is not everything but that combined with talent is a force to be feared with. The second most prolific attack in the competition, the Spanish side have also conceded the least goals in this years campaign. With Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Ramos, Navas and Kroos they have world class players in every department. And if we add to this the fact that Real have never lost to the Skyblues, Madrid might be thinking of the final already!
Our tip
When we see the recent performances from Real, one thing is certain is that nothing will be easy for Manchester City. Boasting world class players in every position, Zidane will also count on the incredible ability of his players to score when given the slightest glimpse at goal. Will City be able to contain Ronaldo and his partners in crime for 180 minutes. Madrid to qualify for the final in Milan is priced at .
