Sports

The Scout: Champions League Quarterfinals

Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid

Manchester City’s route to the Champions League quarterfinals was set up by a dominant 5-0 away win over Sporting Lisbon and followed by a 0-0 draw at home. Atletico Madrid on the other hand advanced courtesy of a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The manager battle between Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone shapes as a tactical masterclass with both managers employing a defensive mindset. For Atletico Madrid, City are another (Manchester) beast completely, with one of the best starting XI’s in Europe, who have conceded just 18 goals in 30 Premier League matches this season.

Suggested Bet: Manchester City Win to Nil @ $2.04*


Benfica vs Liverpool

Benfica advanced to the quarterfinals via a 1-0 away win over Ajax while Liverpool got the better of Inter Milan, despite a rare defeat at Anfield.

Liverpool have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few months, winning 15 of their last 17 games in all competitions. Their attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane have been running riot and should do so against a Benfica side that conceded five goals to Bayern Munich earlier in the tournament.

Suggested Bet: Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.30*


Chelsea vs Real Madrid

Chelsea find themselves in the Champions League Quarterfinals off the back of two wins over Lille, while Real Madrid smacked PSG 3-1 at home in the second leg of their round of 16 matchup.

Playing away at Stamford Bridge is unquestionably one of the toughest fixtures in all of football and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will ensure the Blues give nothing to their opponent. Tuchel will implement his patented defensive tactics in an attempt to frustrate Real Madrid, and deny any openings on goal.

Chelsea are yet to concede a goal at Stamford Bridge during the Champions League tournament and I’m backing this defensive prowess to see them claim the win here.

Suggested Bet: Chelsea to Win @ $2.05*


Villareal vs Bayern Munich

Villareal shocked Juventus in the round of 16 while German powerhouse Bayern Munich earned their spot in the final eight via a devastating 8-2 aggregate win over RB Salzburg.

Bayern have been the most impressive side in the Champions League to this stage of the tournament, and are yet to drop a game. They’re not just winning their matches, they’re dominating them, scoring 30 goals across eight matches.

Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski comes into this match off the back of a hat-trick against RB Salzburg and I think he’ll be a handful again for Villareal.

Suggested Bet: Bayern Munich Half Time/Full Time @ $2.30*

*Odds correct as at 8pm, 5th April 2022.

Market Market