Champions League and Europa League 2016/17: Betting Tips, Odds and Predictions
by Constance Rigot | by Constance Rigot
UEFA concluded the Champions League and the Europa League semi final draws in Nyon last week and there will be some mouthwatering clashes in store for football fans across the globe.
Big matchs in Champions League
Real Madrid – Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid will take on cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in the first semi finals of the Champions League and it should be a cracking contest. Los Blancos have managed to beat Atletico twice in the finals of the competition in the last few seasons and Simeone's men will be out for revenge this year.
Atletico are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 Champions League games and are certainly capable of eliminating the defending champions over the two legs. Furthermore, the prospect of playing the deciding leg in front of their own fans will also help.
Bet on Atletico Madrid to qualify for the Champions League final at .
Real Madrid have been scoring freely this season and that has papered over their defensive cracks. With the first leg being played at Bernabeu, a high scoring game is definitely on the cards.
Bet365 are offering odds of for the first leg to end with over 2.5 goals.
Monaco – Juventus
Juventus have the quality in depth - can they go the distance? Juventus takes on Monaco in the other semi final of the Champions League this season and the Italian giants will be looking to go the distance this year. They came close to winning the trophy in 2015 and are well equipped to win the competition this season.
The Serie A champions have been excellent defensively and will look to shut down Monaco's free flowing attack in the first leg, away from home. Juventus have kept a clean sheet in 8 of their last 10 matches in the UEFA Champions League.
Bet365 are offering odds of for the match to end with less than 2.5 goals.
Juventus are also undefeated in their last 12 matches in the UEFA Champions League and are .
Europa League: Manchester United's route back into the Champions League?
Celta Vigo – Manchester United
The Red Devils will take on Celta Vigo in the semi finals of the Europa League and this is a must win tie for Jose Mourinho's men. They are unlikely to make top four in the league and will need to win Europa in order to play in the Champions League next season.
Manchester United are undefeated in their last 8 matches in the UEFA Europa League and are .
Ajax - Lyon
Lyon takes on Ajax in the other semi final of the Europa League and it should be a fascinating contest between two very evenly matched teams.
The last two meetings between the two sides ended in 0-0 draws and for the match to end with less than 2.5 goals.
