The UEFA Champions League is back with a big bang this week. Four clashes featuring two German teams, Three Spanish teams and one team from Portugal, England, and France. Now let us closely look at the first four quarter-final legs and the football betting odds.
FC Bayern Munchen vs. Benfica
Bayern Munchen, which is still managed by Pep Guardiola for this season anyway, required extra-time in the Champions League match against Juventus. The extra time helped them overcome Juventus. However, Bayern has only suffered one defeat in 14 competitive matches this year.
Their opponents the Portuguese are on proper form having captured victories while battling Zenit St Petersburg in the 16th round. The win guaranteed them part of the 22-match run which they have only been beaten once.
Both Bayern and Benfica have injury problems as they head to meet one another. Benfica’s goalie Julio Cesar has a thigh injury. Defender Luisao has an arm injury; defender Lopez has a leg injury, and Winger Santos has a knee injury. The four players will be missing in action.
For the Germans’ defender, Boateng has a groin injury, defender Badstuber has an ankle injury, Robben has a thigh injury and Martinez has a knee injury. Their chances of playing Benfica are minuscule.
Because both sides will be missing key players, the prediction is Bayern will have a favourable game. Moreover, Pep Guardiola’s possession-based set-up is quite effective and efficient and will be there to take advantage should Benfica’s defense slack.
VfL Wolfsburg vs. Real Madrid
Wolfsburg takes the underdog role in this match deemed as a David vs. Goliath duel. Moreover, the Germans’ are not quite confident going into this match having come from three straight loss Champions League games.
Their latest defeat was in the hands of Leverkusen, who thrashed them 3-0. They stand at seven points off the Champions League Spots and trail in the eighth position in the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid will face Wolfsburg with confidence after they won over Barcelona in a 2-1 class during the weekend. Golden boy Cristiano Ronaldo locked in a late goal making Real the winners of the match.
The Spaniards will, however, play without defender Varane after he suffered an injury to his calf. Wolfsburg will also play without right-back Jung, who is out with a knee injury.
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid
After playing one another twelve times in a time a little less than three years, its right to suggest that a few football clubs know each other as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Barca has scooped the last six matches, and Atletico’s last win was the 2014 Champions League quarter-finals against Barcelona.
Barca will face Atletico minus defenders Adriano, Vidal and Mathieu, who are all out of action due to sustained injuries. Atletico, however, has no major injuries, and Godin (center-back) returned to training.
PSG vs. Manchester City
These two teams are difficult to predict as the Parisians will be visiting the Premier League Champs. Man City has the favor as they will be playing on their home ground. In their domestic league, Ligue 1 PSG is a class apart having done well.
Man City are however having an inconsistent time in the on-going EPL league. Man City risks losing their spot in next year’s Champions League given their current standing in the EPL. However, thanks to their 4-0 win over Aston Villa recently, they will meet PSG a proud lot.
