The first legs of the UEFA Champions League semifinals are approaching, so we’re bringing you the previews and BetXchange odds for both matches this week.
Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid
Tuesday, 30 April – Allianz Arena, Munich
The two most successful clubs of the Champions League era to reach the semifinal stage will meet in the first tie of the round at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Tuesday night.
Bayern has made it to this stage 13 times, while Real Madrid will compete in their 17th Champions League semifinal and 33rd semifinal overall, including ties in the old European Cup.
These are the two teams that ensured English teams would not be involved past the quarterfinal stage of the 2023-24 UCL campaign. Bayern Munch were resolute in keeping Arsenal at bay for 90 minutes in their second leg, while Real Madrid were outstanding defensively as they knocked out holders Manchester City on penalties.
It is ironic that both these teams are led by Englishmen. Striker Harry Kane has had a monster season for Bayern Munich, shattering team and Bundesliga records with 42 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign.
Kane is famously without a major trophy in his career, and the Champions League represents his last chance for a trophy this season (in the club game, at least) after Bayer Leverkusen stunningly won the German League.
Jude Bellingham took to life in the Spanish capital better and faster than anyone could have imagined. Bellingham is still just 20 but has been Real’s best and most consistent player this season. Bellingham has scored 21 goals and picked up 10 assists in 36 games, mainly playing as the 10 in Real’s system.
Recent history certainly favors Real. They have won six and drawn one in their last seven knockout meetings with the Bavarian giants. I like Madrid to go through, and I think this one could end in a draw. As an anytime scorer, Bellingham is 91/100, a price I love, but not as much as the under-the-radar Rodrygo as a 34/25 anytime scorer.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Wednesday, 1 May – Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
It feels like Borussia Dortmund has been written off before this match started. With PSG’s iconic attacker Kylian Mbappe leaving the French giants at the end of the year, it feels like it is now or never for the remnants of the team that once boasted Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi as a crowd-pleasing, if defensively unbalanced, attacking three.
This lack of faith is partly due to the difference in star power between the two sides but also because Dortmund is in dreadful form. While PSG just clinched the French title again, Dortmund is fifth in the German top flight, 24 points behind runaway leader Leverkusen.
They are also in shocking form, having won just one of their last five games behind a defense that has had real problems stopping Pacy attackers. This will be a serious problem with Mbappe, the revitalized Ousmane Dembele, and the rapid Bradley Barcola on the flanks.
You feel Dortmund must win this first leg by a couple of goals at home. They are unbeaten in the competition at home this season, beating quarterfinal opponents Atletico Madrid 4-2 in front of the ‘Yellow Wall.” The problem they will face is that PSG has a level of attacking talent and thought that is above what Atletico bought to the table. I like the French side to win at 25/17 away from home and carry a lead back to the Parc des Princes.
