The UEFA Champions League continues this Wednesday and Thursday morning, with the second leg of the quarter finals getting underway.
On Wednesday morning, Bayern host Villareal where anything less than a win will see them eliminated from the competition and Real Madrid welcome Chelsea, with the visitors needing a special performance to progress.
On Thursday morning Manchester City head to Atletico Madrid one goal to the good and Liverpool host Benfica, holding a two goal advantage on aggregate. We take a look at our best Champions League bet for each game below.
Remember, the EPL, Champions League and A-League are in full swing to be sure to head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates and betting tips.
Champions League Quarter Finals Betting Tips (Leg 2)
Bayern Munich vs Villareal
After an upset round of 16 progression, Villareal continued their fairy-tale run beating Bayern 1-0 at home and if it wasn’t for a disallowed goal, they may have been heading to Bayern two goals to the good.
Bayern Munich were shocked by Villarreal in the reverse leg, but will still like their chances of progressing.
I favour Bayern to progress but I wouldn’t be completely shocked if Villareal frustrate them and catch the German giants on the break.
From a betting perspective I like the under 1.5 first half goals as Villareal will be desperate to be as tight as possible early and I feel like it will be a tense affair, especially in the first half.
Under 1.5 1st Half Goals
$1.80
Real Madrid vs Chelsea
A Karim Benzema masterclass saw Madrid win their first leg clash against Chelsea by two goals.
Since that defeat Chelsea demolished Southampton 6-0 in the Premier League and if their attack is on song, they are still a good chance of the upset.
Real Madrid come into this match on the back of a narrow 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo with Benzema once again lifting his side over the line.
I am honestly surprised to see Chelsea such big underdogs here. I was wrong in tipping them in the first leg but I am going to do it again here as I believe they are the more well-rounded side.
While Benzema who is in fantastic form will be dangerous, I expect the Blues to control the majority of the game. Real Madrid will be content to defend their lead even if it means they lose the second leg 1-0 and therefore the $3 on offer for Chelsea looks like a good bet.
I am predicting the Chelsea wing backs of Marcos Alonso and Reece James causing Madrid all sorts of problems on the flanks and I will even have a spec on Chelsea to progress on the back of what would be a monumental comeback.
Value:
Chelsea to Advance ($9.00 at Bet365)
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester City
Atletico Madrid offered absolutely nothing in an attacking sense in the first leg of this Champions League quarter final and they'll need a massively improved performance to have a chance of progressing here.
Manchester City and Liverpool in my opinion are the best two teams in the world and Atletico will struggle to turn the tables on the reigning Premier League champions.
Atletico will need to be more aggressive and I believe they could be completely picked apart by a City side on the counter.
I am going to have a fair bet on City to win and a small play on City to win by three or more goals.
Value:
Manchester City -2.5 ($6.60 at Bet365)
Manchester City to win
$1.80
Liverpool vs Benfica
I really don’t like this match from a betting perspective as I believe the market has it about right.
Benfica will come to attack but that will also present plenty of opportunities to Liverpool. The 3-1 score line in the first leg flattered Liverpool a bit as I didn’t think they were overly convincing but you would be a brave man to tip Benfica to leave Anfield victorious.
The only play I would possibly entertain would be Mo Salah anytime goal scorer. Benfica have two ageing centre backs who will struggle to deal with Liverpool’s attack when they push up the field. It is a matter of time until Salah returns a goal or two so I will back him to at least get on the scoresheet in this match.
Mo Salah anytime goal
$1.61
