UCL Semi-finals: Second-leg Analysis, Predictions & Best Way to Bet
by | by Abdel Zairi
BAYERN MUNICH V ATLETICO MADRID
Atletico Madrid produced another brilliant home performance as they have firmly taken control of this Champions League semi-final. An incredible individual goal from youngster Saul Niguez in the 11th minute was enough for Diego Simeone’s side to see off a Bayern Munich side that seemed to run out of ideas to break down this air tight defense. The only clear sight of goal that was available to the Munich players was from more than 30 yards out, leaving them with no other option than to shoot from distance and rarely troubling Oblak in the Atletico goal.
Key bets to look out for
Atleti’s defense – One could expect Simeone to setup his side exactly the same way as he did in the first leg. It worked perfectly for them at the Vicente Calderon. Star defender, Diego Godin is likely to return to the heart of the Atletico defense which will only boast their defensive strengths. Atletico Madrid to win to nil is priced at .
The Lewandowski effect – The big centre forward was kept relatively quiet during the first leg with Atleti allowing the Polish international very little space and time on the ball. It was a brilliant effort from the Simeone’s men, but can they keep that up for another 90 minutes ? It will be a very big ask. With the former Dortmund front man been very strong in the air and with the ball at his feet, he is bound to get chances at the Allianz Arena. William Hill are offering odds of for him to score first.
Griezmann – A brilliant striker in his own right, Antoine Griezmann is a serious threat. He was kept to one good opportunity when he was 1-on-1 with Manuel Neuer with a lot of pressure on his shoulder. He has stepped up in the big games this season. He scored the winner away to Real Madrid in the league aswell as bagging the two crucial goals against Barcelona in the previous round. The Frenchamn to score first is .
REAL MADRID V MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City will come away the happier side from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. The score finished 0-0 as both sides cancelled each other out in an entertaining match. The Spanish side were dealt a massive blow before kick-off as their star man, Cristiano Ronaldo was ruled out with a thigh injury. Manuel Pellegrini’s side were quicker out of the blocks but in the end they had to thank Joe Hart for a string of fine last ditch saves to keep them in the tie.
Key bets to look out for
Ronaldo’s return – It was clear from the first leg that Madrid missed the attacking threat of the three time Ballon d’Or winner. With Benzema coming off at half-time with an injury, it was left down the Gareth Bale to lead the line with Jese and Lucas Vazquez supporting the Welshman. Zidane is likely to rest the this seasons UCL top scorer at the weekend to make sure he is fully fit for the return leg. Ronaldo will be dying to stamp is mark on the second leg and get his name on the score sheet. He is priced at .
Joe Hart’s form – The English number 1 was in superb form in the first leg. He twice denied Ramos and Pepe at the death with brilliant saves to keep Madrid scoreless. He is one of the most important players in this City side and with the return of Vincent Kompany, it is going to take something special to break down that defense. City to keep a clean sheet and win is priced at .
The Ramos and Pepe partnership – With Madrid failing in the attacking department, the Los Blancos defense held up very well. Sergio Ramos and Pepe kept Sergio Aguero very quiet all game, something that not many defenses can boast. De Bruyne had many chances to break from midfield but not once was Aguero given too much time or space in the 18 yard box. The little Argentine is the focal point of every City attack and if one can take him out of the picture City will have serious problems. Madrid to win to nil in the return leg is priced at .
