What an interesting few weeks it’s been in European Soccer since the last round of the UEFA Champions League. For a while there, the semi-finals were in some doubt after UEFA threatened three of the teams in Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid with bans due to their involvement in the Super League.
The dust has settled on that now though, and we are ready to go with the first leg of the semi-finals kicking off on Wednesday morning this week. We have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the first leg of both matchups below.
Champions League Semi Finals (Leg 1) Betting Tips
Real Madrid vs Chelsea
Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, Wednesday 28th April 5.00am (AEST)
The Blues have very big month coming up. They are currently in a battle for a top four spot in the EPL, sitting in fourth place just three points clear of the trailing pack and they also have a FA Cup final against Leicester to worry about, which will be played on the 16th of May. First on the agenda for Chelsea though, will be their clash against Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League.
A win for the Blues would see them advance to their first Champions League final since they won against Bayern Munich back in the 2011-12 season. Their opponents in Real Madrid certainly aren’t experiencing the same type of drought. Madrid won three straight Champions League finals from 2016-2018 but have been eliminated from the tournament in the round of 16 in both seasons since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
Madrid has been solid in the La Liga so far this season. They currently sit 2nd on the table to cross town rivals Atletico, trailing by just two points after maintaining a 21-8-4 record to date. Interestingly, these two teams have pnly played three times in their history, with all three games being playe din Madrid, Chelsea have scored in all three games and secured one win, no doubt a solid away record against one of the best teams in the world.
The Blues start as heavy underdogs on the road on Wednesday morning and given their solid form in the EPL of late, I love them with the draw no bet insurance.
Chelsea Draw No Bet
$2.25
Paris Saint Germain vs Manchester City
Parc des Princes, Thursday 29th April 5.00am (AEST)
All things going according to plan with the random fixture drawings, this matchup would have been the final. These two teams, along with German side Bayern Munich are probably the best in the world at the moment, and I could see whoever wins this matchup going on to win the final itself. Personally, I’m happy they matched up in the semi-final, because now we get to watch this blockbuster once in Paris and once in Manchester.
Paris was too good for Bayern in the quarter finals, winning 3-2 on the road before being downed 1-0 at home. Manchester City recorded two 2-1 wins over Borussia Dortmund to advance to the semi-finals and their form in the EPL has been ridiculous. The Sky Blues currently sit 10 points clear atop the table with a 24-5-4 record this season and have won 30 of their last 33 games in all competitions.
These two teams have faced off three times in their history, most recently a two leg meeting in the 2016 Champions League. Manchester City came out on top of that fixture, drawing the away leg 2-2 before winning 1-0 at home. They start as favourites on the road and given their dominance in all competitions this season, I’m backing them to win here.
