There are still qualifying positions up for grabs in five of the eight groups going into the last stage of pool play in the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League starting Wednesday morning (AEDT). Defending Champions Real Madrid need to win at over German giants Borussia Dortmund to secure top spot of Group F while English side Tottenham will need a near miracle for them to advance to the knockout stage.
Sitting 3rd in Group E with four points, Tottenham will need 2nd place holders Bayer Leverkusen to lose to first place side Monaco, while the Spurs will also need to beat Russian side CSKA Moscow and make up a three-goal difference on the German side in the process. Today, we preview the two biggest clashes of the round, the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund decider, and Atletico Madrid travelling to Germany to take on juggernauts Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid (Wednesday 6.45am AEDT)
Although Group D is already decided, the clash between these two clubs is still huge. Madrid and Bayern are two of the biggest clubs in the world, and both will be contending the Champions League well into its dying stages. Madrid were able to snatch a 1-0 victory over the Germans in their home leg of the matchup, with a goal to Belgian Yannick Carrasco in the 35th minute being the decider in the end.
Bayern will be looking to settle the score come Wednesday morning. They have been on a formidable run in the Bundesliga of late, winning four of their last six which has them sitting 2nd on the table behind surprise league leaders RB Leipzeg. Bayern have regained star Arjen Robben from injury just in time to face Madrid, with the Dutch international netting a goal in the 3-1 over FSV Mainz on the weekend.
While Madrid will also have a handy inclusion back from injury with former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has been cleared to play by medical staff. Torres presents trouble for Bayern Munich, as it was him who scored the goal to knock the German side out of the Champions League last season.
These two teams are very evenly matched, with superstars at nearly every position. They play tremendous defence, both having allowed the fewest goals in their respective domestic competitions seasons so far. With that being said, I think it’s safe to take the under for total goals in this one.
TIP: Total Goals UNDER 2.5 - $1.89 at CrownBet
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund (Thursday 6.45am AEDT)
The scenario’s way ever so slightly in Dortmund’s favour for this matchup against Reigning Champions Real Madrid. They only need to draw to claim top spot in Group F, as they currently sit on 13 points with the Spanish side trailing on 11. Madrid will need to win at home, not an overly difficult feat in itself to progress as Pool F champs.
The first leg of the matchup, played in Germany, saw the teams finish locked at 2-2 after an 87th minute goal from Andre Schurrle tied the score. Because of that, and Dortmund’s poor form of late in the Bundesliga, Madrid will go into the match as favourites for their home leg. Dortmund have drawn three and lost three from their 13 games in the domestic competition thus far, a far stretch from the usual two horse race the Bundesliga presents.
Real Madrid on the other hand have been have been absolutely slaying everyone in their path in La Liga matches so far. Undefeated through 14 games, with only four goals and boasting a ridiculous 37 goals for has them on top of the league by a whopping six points already over rivals Barcelona.
While Dortmund haven’t exactly been getting the results they wanted, they’re no slouch to scoring the ball, leading the Bundesliga with 31 goals from their 13 games. With a near full strength side featuring the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus and with CL all-time leading scorer on the other side of the ball in Cristiano Ronaldo, this one could end up being a goal fest.
TIP: Total Goals OVER 2.5 - $1.88 at CrownBet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
