Champions League – Semi Finals – 25th & 26th April

champions league

The Champions League returns this week with the 1st legs of the Semi Finals. There’s two fantastic matches lined up with the first that of Liverpool hosting Roma followed by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The matchup between Liverpool and Roma is particularly intriguing for the way they made it to this stage. Liverpool weren’t exactly underdogs against Manchester City but they dispatched them in stunning fashion to make it through to an unlikely Semi-Final berth. Roma perhaps less convincingly but more dramatically came from behind 4-1 to Barcelona to snatch their place in the Semi’s. If any of the Semi Finals are like this then we’re in for a ride this week.

**Odds from Sportsbet.com.au as of 23rd April  

Liverpool vs Roma

The ball’s in Liverpool’s court first up here when they host Roma but no matter the result in this one they’ll be wary of what Roma are capable of when they came from 4-1 behind against Barcelona in the Quarter Finals. Liverpool will be well up for this one though and at home will present a formidable attacking unit for Roma to try and quell. Perhaps where Liverpool have an even better edge compared to Barcelona is their pace up front. Fazio is one player they’ll look to try and take advantage of given he’s real lack of pace and that could be telling heading into the 2nd leg. It’s not to say Roma won’t have their chances given Liverpool are by no means a brick wall defensively in world terms but for this 1st leg Liverpool look well placed to take the advantage.

Predicted Result: Liverpool 3-1

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.51

Best Value Bet: Liverpool -1 Handicap at $2.4

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Whilst the other Semi Final looks to have goals in it on one side, this one looks set to be a lot closer between the two, goals or not. The advantage for Real Madrid here is they pretty much have a full squad to pick from whilst Bayern will be missing Coman, Vidal and Neuer in addition to having a good record at Bayern. Their last 3 visits have been wins by an aggregate of 6-1 so they will hold no fear coming to this ground first up. If anything this is a match where although Real Madrid look to have an edge, they’d also be comfortable with things being evenly poised heading into the 2nd leg. Bayern will have to come out hard in this one but generally this looks well balanced for a 1st leg match.

Predicted Result: Draw 1-1

Best Bet: Real Madrid Double Chance at $1.72

Best Value Bet: Real Madrid to win either half at $2.07

Author

Goal

As an Australian growing up AFL was always my no.1 sport especially given I was lucky enough to grow up a few blocks from Carlton’s home ground, Princes Park, where I was lucky enough to attend many games. That’s where my passion for sport began but it was until the early 2000’s when I discovered a real passion for football with the Socceroos 2002 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay accelerating my football journey. From there I began to follow the Premier League and haven’t looked back since. These days I’m a massive Tottenham fan where I’ve enjoyed many sleepless nights religiously watching them without missing a game despite many roller coaster feelings. There’s just something magical and glamorous when you watch the EPL and knowing the Profits owners Drew and Euan through studies, I’m now lucky enough to be able to share my thoughts on each game each week of the season.

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