Tuesday’s astonishing events in Barcelona saw underdogs Chelsea qualify for the final, and this will have obvious repercussions for this Champions League semi-final.
Whether it is Real Madrid or Bayern Munich who qualify on Wednesday, they will be strong favourites against a Blues side already robbed of four first-teamers through suspension.
Of course, the Bavarians would have home advantage in any final – but first they must get past Jose Mourinho’s men at the Santiago Bernabeu.
They are 11/10 (2.1) to achieve that feat after winning the first leg 2-1. Los Blancos, on the other hand, are a 4/6 (1.67) with William Hill to advance to the final.
In the goalscorer markets, the price for Cristiano Ronaldo to net is staggeringly short. The Portuguese star is 2/5 (1.4) to score – a reflection of his 54-goal haul this season.
Bayern’s Mario Gomez hasn’t been struggling himself. The German striker has already hit the 40-goal mark this season and bagged a late winner in the first leg. Gomez is 7/4 (2.75) to score anytime.
In the other markets, there is some encouragement for Bayern in Real’s home record in La Liga this season – if you look hard enough.
Real Madrid have beaten – and scored three goals or more against – every team in La Liga except the other three members of the current top four.
A home defeat to Barcelona, and draws against Valencia and Malaga, indicates that perhaps Los Blancos are ruthlessly efficient bullies, but could be vulnerable to a quality side.
Real Madrid have conceded 13 of their 17 La Liga home games. As a result, the pick of the bets is to back both teams to score in this one at 8/13 (1.62).
But with Barcelona licking their wounds, it’s hard to believe Real will be denied their moment. The most common scoreline at the Bernabeu this season has been 4-1. That’s the long-shot pick at 18/1 (19.0) with William Hill.
| BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Both teams to score at 8/13 (1.62) with William Hill |
Real Madrid to win 4-1 at 18/1 (19.0) with William Hill |
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Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on Twitter