Business picks up in the Champions League this week, as the race for a spot in the semi-finals gets underway. Some of the biggest clubs on the continent will be locking horns at this stage of the competition, with Real Madrid and Manchester City proving to be the standout tie. But, which clubs will claim victories in the first legs and take a step toward securing their position in the final four?
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
It could yet be a very successful end to the season for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta’s side remain in the hunt for two major honours. The Gunners have been excellent throughout their European campaign, winning five of their eight matches to this point. However, they needed their fair share of luck to edge past FC Porto via penalties in the previous round.
Bayern Munich will be aware that the Champions League presents them with their main chance of a piece of silverware this term. The German side showed their character to come back from a deficit in the previous round against Lazio, and all eyes will once again be on Harry Kane on his return to North London on Tuesday.
But, we expect Arsenal to land victory in the first leg to edge closer to setting up a Premier League showdown with Man City in the final four.
Pick: Arsenal at 22/25 with BetXchange.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
For the second straight season, Real Madrid and Manchester City will lock horns in the knockout stage of the Champions League. Last season, City progressed following an excellent home performance against their Spanish rivals. Pep Guardiola’s side are already the standout team in the betting to retain their title this year after winning all eight of their matches in the competition.
Real Madrid will have their sights set on a league and European double this term, and they have also been excellent throughout the competition to this point. This home fixture is a must-win clash for Los Blancos, and we could see Jude Bellingham playing his part in a home victory for Real Madrid.
Pick: Real Madrid at 91/50 with BetXchange.
PSG vs Barcelona
There will be a famous clash between PSG and Barcelona in the last eight this week. Both of these sides are rated among the dark horse contenders to win the tournament this year, and this first leg in Paris could ultimately set the tone for the tie. PSG were very professional in the previous round against Real Sociedad, but they will likely need Kylian Mbappe to be at his very best for this clash with Barcelona.
Xavi’s Barcelona will be the outsiders in the betting to progress from this tie, but they showed their character in the previous round after edging through against Napoli. However, we could see the French hosts winning the first leg, before playing out a draw in the reverse clash.
Pick: PSG at 1/1 with BetXchange.
Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund upset the odds to progress through their Champions League group as winners in the opening round, and they were professional in the previous round to overcome PSV. The German side could be overlooked in the betting for this tie after already showing their quality to land wins over AC Milan and Newcastle this term.
Atletico Madrid will be aware of how important this first leg will be for their chances of progression. The Spanish side have won all four of their home matches in the competition to this point. However, a chance will be taken on Dortmund to upset the odds this week.
