Real Madrid News: Early Preview the Second Leg Games of the UCL. The first week of the Champions League Semi finals went by, and left fans betting on soccer a bit underwhelmed on how the action turned out. One goalless draw and a tight 1-0, left both matchups wide open for any of the teams in competition. Right after the series passed all four clubs must return to their domestic leagues and get ready for what will be a very (in)tense week of soccer.
Less than an hour before game time it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo was not going to be a part of Real Madrid’s starting eleven in their game at Etihad Stadium versus the local side of Manchester City. Immediately the line had a slight impact as it confirmed City as the favorites for that game.
This season has been filled with ups and downs for the merengues, with inconsistencies both in the attacking side of the pitch and on defense. Despite that, with great individual performances have managed to pull this team along in the league and the Champions League. Real Madrid was able to not give any advantage to Manchester City in a very uneventful game, and left the series for the game to be played in the mythical Santiago Bernabeu that will have a packed house. The problem is, that their attacking front could not have Cristiano Ronaldo or French striker Karim Benzema who picked up an injury during their game against City. So fans betting on soccer should take note and await updates coming from Real Madrid.
As for Manchester City, coach Pellegrini hoped to get an advantage and take the game to Madrid with a goal advantage. They were able to keep a clean-sheet at home, which is highly valuable in this competition, and will rely on their strong on the road, as soccer bet insiders consider them to have a real chance of eliminating the blancos. However, they too will deal with a missing piece to their puzzle as it has been confirmed that midfielder David Silva will miss out the second leg of the series.
The other semifinals saw the clash between Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Considering how both these coaches are tactical wizards, it was expected that this game would be see a more open style of play. However, this tight contest was settled with a brilliant goal scored by Atletico’s Saul, early in the first half. After that it was expected that we would get to see a back and forth game, however both teams got stuck in a very tight gridlock, as Bayern was not able to level the score and Atletico Madrid had to reinforce their defense and thus renounce to attack.
The total betting on soccer goal line for both games went for the under this time around, but t doesn’t seem like it will happen again for the second leg. Especially with Bayern Munich playing at home and in need to level the score as quick as possible. Also in the other semifinal, a goal from either side could settle the series, but considering the attacking level from both teams, we might be in for a goal festival. In the end, we see Bayern Munich being able to put the series away, and Real Madrid with a possible healthy Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge to another Champions league final, in what will definitely be a classic.