Manchester City (3) vs Real Madrid (3)
Real Madrid take on Manchester City in the Champions league quarter-finals.
- Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid and Ethiad Stadium, Manchester
- Date and time: 9 April, at 21:00 / 17 April, at 20:00 BST
Real Madrid, with a record 14 Champions League titles under their belt, faced the toughest possible opposition in the quarter-finals, namely Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The tie promised to be an intense and exciting clash between two of Europe’s top football clubs, with the heavyweight encounter being a repeat of last season’s semi-final where City won 5-1 on aggregate. The first leg at the Bernabeu lived up to the hype with a pulsating 3-3 draw.
First leg: Real Madrid 3 – 3 Man City
Madrid sat deep when required and made it very difficult for City to break them down, despite falling behind to a Bernardo Silva free-kick early on. Toni Kroos was playing a huge part in denying City space and Madrid were keen to use their pace to hurt City on the break. They found themselves 2-1 up at the interval through a Ruben Diaz own goal and Rodrigo. The second half saw City grow into it, but it took two fantastic strikes from Phil Foden and Josko Guardial to breach the Madrid backline. However, the game changed again when Kroos was replaced by fellow veteran, Luka Modric. And with the Croatian pulling the strings, Madrid grabbed an equaliser through a fantastic volley from Federico Valverde. So it is probably advantage City ahead of the second leg in Manchester. But only just.
Second leg odds
Manchester City are favourites to win in 90 minutes, and to win the tie overall.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are one of the world’s most prominent football clubs with a rich history of success including 14 Champions League titles, 35 La Liga titles and 5 Club World Cup titles. Los Blancos were founded in 1902 and has since dominated the football scene both nationally and internationally.
The club has had several legendary players over the years, including Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas and Cristiano Ronaldo. Today, the big stars include Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and the evergreen duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Madrid have a deep affinity with the European Cup. As stated earlier they have a record 14 victories and in recent years they have arguably reserved their best performances for the Champions League. Since 2010/11, Los Blancos have reached the last eight, a total of 12 times and have appeared in five finals, all of which they won. Few clubs have even come close to matching this feat. The question this season is whether Madrid can add to this history.
The road to the quarter-finals has been via maximum points in a group containing Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin. Leipzig provided a tough challenge in the Round of 16, however, they were eventually dispatched 2-1 on aggregate. Madrid came under pressure, but as is their Champions League trademark, especially under Carlo Ancelotti, they weathered the storm and found a way to win. They also found a way to make life very difficult for City at the Bernabeu. Their shape and defensive organisation, their pace on the break and their use of the evergreen midfield duo of Kroos and Modric were all factors in them pushing the Citizens all the way. They will face a tough task in Manchester but cannot be written off.
Manchester City
Manchester City have tasted success down the years, especially in the last decade or so. They have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League three times, the first time in the 2015/16 season and most recently in the 2022/2023 season when they claimed the title. Among their previous stars in history are names such as Vincent Kompany, Sergio Agüero and David Silva.
Pep Guardiola’s side prepare for a tough two-legged meeting with Real Madrid while attempting to defend their Premier League title in an intriguing three-way race with Liverpool and Arsenal. Another title would be an unprecedented fourth English top-flight title in a row. They are also in the semi-final of the FA Cup and are looking to secure a back-to-back treble for the first time in history.
City have had an untroubled route to the last eight, breezing through their group and then seeing off FC Copenhagen 6-2 on aggregate. Unsurprisingly Erling Haaland found the net against Copenhagen. Haaland has six goals and an assist in the Champions League this season. The 23-year-old has hit 41 Champions League goals since his debut in 2019/20.
City did well to come away from the Bernabeu with a draw. They clearly missed Kyle Walker’s pace at the back. They are favourites to get the job done at the Etihad, but their opponents present a danger, expecially on the break.
Previous meetings Real Madrid – Manchester City
Madrid and Man City have met 10 times over the years. The first time the teams clashed was on 18 September 2012 in the Champions League group stage. A match that ended 3-2 to Real Madrid. Of the ten games, Manchester City have won four and Madrid three, the other three games ending level, with the match in the Bernabeu making a fourth draw between the sides in that period.
Betting tips Real Madrid – Manchester City
Real Madrid are, historically, Europe’s most successful club. After adding five more Champions League titles in recent times Madrid appear to be building an exciting side which can challenge Europe’s elite for years to come. However, Manchester City are a superb side and are favourites to go through. After the match in the Bernabeu we still think that City will have too much for Madrid over the two legs.
Prediction: Manchester City to go through. We think BTTS is a good option.
Bayern Munich (2) vs Arsenal (2)
Arsenal take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League Quarter-finals.
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London and Allianz Arena, Munich
- Date and time: 9 April, at 21:00 / 17 April, at 20:00 BST
Arsenal have been one of Europe’s form teams of 2024, with a run of form which included eight straight Premier League victories where they scored goals for fun. In the Champions League the Gunners face Bayern Munich who, by their own high standards, have had a disappointing season. However, the hope of a title is still alive for Bayern and for England captain Harry Kane in the form of the Champions League. In the Bundesliga, it would take a massive collapse from Bayer Leverkusen for Bayern to win the title and they are already out of the German cup. The first leg in North London saw an exciting 2-2 draw.
First Leg: Arsenal 2 – 2 Bayern Munich
In a gripping showdown at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal and Bayern Munich engaged in a pulsating 2-2 draw, leaving their Champions League quarter-final finely balanced ahead of the return leg next week.
The match kicked off with an early lead for Mikel Arteta’s side, courtesy of Bukayo Saka’s superbly curled finish. However, Bayern swiftly responded, capitalising on defensive lapses to equalize through former Gunner Serge Gnabry.
The tension heightened as former Tottenham striker Kane, amidst boos from the home crowd, calmly converted a penalty, marking his 15th goal in 20 games against Arsenal. Leroy Sane’s foul on William Saliba led to the decisive spot-kick.
But Arsenal refused to be subdued, finding an equalizer in the second half through Leandro Trossard’s clinical strike. The relentless back-and-forth action left the Emirates buzzing and set the stage for an eagerly anticipated conclusion in Munich in the 2nd leg.
Second leg odds
Allianz Arena, Munich
Odds correct as of 08:00 on 17.04.24. Odds subject to change.
Bayern getting a draw in London may have given the German side some momentum. Going to the Allianz Arena is a tough task for the Gunners. However, Arteta’s side are developing a strong mentality and have the ability to grind out results. The second leg, and the tie as a whole, could be too close to call.
Arsenal
Arsenal have a rich history in European football, winning the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 and the UEFA Cup in 1970. However, in the Champions League the closed they have come was in 2006 when they finished runners-up to Barcelona.
Arsenal’s stars over the years include icons such as Thierry Henry, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, and Dennis Bergkamp, renowned for his dazzling technique and creativity. Other legendary names are Tony Adams, an inspriational captain and an outstanding central defender and Patrick Vieira, a key player in the successful team of the 2000s.
After several years without major success, Mikel Arteta’s side had an encouraging campaign last season and look set for an exciting spring where the Gunners have a chance to win both the Premier League and the Champions League. In the Premier League, the London club are in a tough fight against Manchester City and Liverpool and in the Champions League, the next obstacle on the way is Bayern Munich.
In the round of 16 against Porto, Arsenal really had to fight tooth and nail to progress. After losing 0-1 in Porto, Arsenal needed to win at the Emirates. Leandro Trossard gave the home team the lead after 41 minutes of play, but there were no further goals. After a goalless extra time, penalties awaited. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was the hero, saving two of Porto’s penalties.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are one of the great giants of European football with victories in the UEFA Champions League in 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013 and 2020. The club’s legendary players include Franz Beckenbauer, one of the best defenders of all time, and Gerd Müller, an exceptional goalscorer.
Other stars include Oliver Kahn, one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in football history, as well as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm, known for their leadership and technical prowess.
Bayern Munich have been a dominent force in German football. with 33 Bundesliga titles. Since 2013, they have won 11 consecutive league titles, a streak which looks likely to end this season. Bayer Leverkusen look to have too big a gap for Bayern to overcome. The season has been seen as a disappointment, with a mutual decision being taken by head coach Thomas Tuchel and the club’s board for Tuchel to leave a year early this Summer. However, a Champions League title could put a different spin on things and would give Tuchel a positive send off.
Bayern were highly convincing in the Champions League group stage, only dropping one point, against FC Copenhagen. In the round of 16, Bayern overturned a 1-0 deficit against Lazio after the first leg, a 3-0 home win seeing them go through 3-1 on aggregate.
Betting tips Bayern Munich vs Arsenal
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have met 12 times since 2000. Bayern have won seven times and Arsenal three, the other two games have ended in a draw, with the result at the Emirates taking the draw tally in that period to three. Bayern will have been boosted by coming away from the Emirates with a draw. However we still tip the Gunners to go through. Though they might need extra-time and, possibly penalties to do so.
We predict: Arsenal to go through. This is another tie where we think BTTS might be a good option. Or you might want to go for Arsenal scoring +1.5.
Barcelona (3) vs PSG (2)
Result: Barcelona 1 PSG 4. PSG go through 6-4 on aggregate.
PSG take on Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.
- Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris and Olympic Stadium, Barcelona
- Date and time: 10 April, at 21:00 / 16 April, at 20:00 BST
This Champions League 2023/24 is between two real giants in European football: Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona. French champions PSG have yet to lift the Champions League trophy and are thus chasing the club’s first title in the tournament.
Barcelona have won five Champions League titles. The most recent came in 2014/15 when they defeated Juventus 3-1 in the final. The winner of this tie will face the winner between Atletico Madrid and Dortmund.
Leg 1. PSG 2 – 3 Barcelona
Andreas Christensen came off the bench to score with his first touch to hit Barcelona’s third goal as the Catalans secured a 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Raphinha opened the scoring for the visitors before PSG mounted a comeback in the second half through Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha. Substitute Pedri had an immediate impact, playing a superb ball through to Raphinha who made no mistake for his second goal of the night before Christensen became the second Barcelona sub to have an impact when he rose to win the game with a header.
Second leg odds
Barcelona are favourites to win at home and to progress to the semi-finals. PSG have quality players, so they cannot be written off. However, they face a hugely difficult task.
PSG
French giant Paris Saint-Germain are in their seventh Champions League quarter-final since the 2012/13 season. The closest they got to a Champions League title was in the COVID affected 2019/20 season, when they lost to Bayern Munich 1-0 at an empty Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Historically, PSG havewon two European titles. In 1995/96 they won the Cup Winners’ Cup and in 2001 the slightly less prestigious Intertoto Cup.
Over the years, we have seen a number of superstars at PSG. Lionel Messi, Neymar, Thiago Silva and not least Kylian Mbappé who is still at the club. The French superstar has almost averaged a goal per game since his debut in 2018. The question is, however, will he remain at the club he has been loyal to for over 5 years? It appears that he will finally leave for Real Madrid this summer.
In French Ligue 1, PSG look to be heading for another league title. The club’s 12th overall and third in a row. After finishing second in the group stage behind Dortmund, but ahead of Milan and Newcastle United, PSG defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 on aggregate after 2-0 home and 2-1 away in the round of 16. Top scorer at PSG is Mbappé with six goals. In total he has hit 46 goals in 69 Champions League matches.
Barcelona
FC Barcelona are an iconic club in European football with a rich history and an impressive tradition. The club has a global fan base and is known for its distinctive style of play and academy success. Among its legendary figures are Johan Cruyff, one of the most influential coaches of all time, who also made a huge impact as a player, and Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest icons of all time.
Other notable names include Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, players who personified Barcelona’s philosophy on the pitch. Barcelona is synonymous with passion and has continued to inspire the world of football over the years. With five Champions League titles, only Real Madrid, Milan, Bayern Munich and Liverpool have won more titles.
In La Liga, Barcelona aere playing catch up to Real Madrid. Realistically, if Barcelona are to defend their title, they must win the upcoming Clasico.
Robert Lewandowski remains a huge goal threat. The 35-year-old Pole is admittedly not in the same great goal-scoring form as he was afew years ago, but he is still a striker of high class. So far, there have been three goals and one assist in the Champions League. Players such as Ferran Torres, Joao Felix, Raphinha and 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal also provide options in attack.
Betting tips Barcelona vs PSG
PSG and Barcelona have met 13 times since 1995. PSG have won four and Barcelona five, the win in Paris making it six. In 10 out of 13 matches, both teams have scored and it is something that can be interesting to look at more closely in these two meetings as well. Both teams like to attack, and can, at times, be vunerable on the break.
We initially thought PSG looked stronger, but after the first leg we are tipping Barcelona to go through. Mbappe is more than capable of turning any tie and the Olympic Stadium is not quite the Camp Nou. However, we think Barcelona at home will be strong enough to hold off PSG.
We predict: Barcelona to go through. The first leg had lots of goals. We think BTTS is a good option here.
Borussia Dortmund (1) vs Atletico Madrid (2)
Result Borussia Dortmund 4 Altelico Madrid 2. Dortmund go through 5-4 on aggregate.
- Venue: Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid and Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
- Date and time: 10 April, at 21:00 / 16 April, at 20:00 BST
Atletico Madrid overcame the odds in the round of 16 to overcome Inter Milan. They go into the quarter-final, where they face Borussia Dortmund, as favourites. Dortmund made an impressive journey to the last eight. Advancement for “BVB” would be their first semi-final since 2012/13 when they fell to Bayern Munich in an all-German final.
First Leg: Atletico Madrid 2 – 1 Borrussia Dortmund
Atletico Madrid went into a 2-0 first-half lead as Dortmund were caught cold in the early stages of the first leg, with goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino. Sebastien Haller scored with nine minutes to go to give Dortmund hope.
Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Second leg odds
Signal Induna Park, Dortmund
Odds correct as of 14:00 on 12.04.24. Odds subject to change.
Dortmund are favourites to win on the night and the tie, overall is very close to call.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid may live somewhat in the shadows of their city rivals Real Madrid but the club still has a proud history of success. With 11 La Liga titles and several appearances in the Champions League final, the club has made an impression both domestically and in Europe.
Founded in 1903 in Madrid, Atletico has attracted an impressive array of players over the years, including legends Luis Aragones, Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann. Today, star players such as Jan Oblak, Antoine Griezmann and Koke form the backbone of the team and continue to carry on Atletico Madrid’s legacy on the European football stage.
Atleti won their Champions League group with Diego Simeone’s side taking 14 out of of 18 points, which was four more than runners-up Lazio. Atletico turned a 0-2 deficit to victory in the round of 16. In the first leg Inter dominated and won 1-0. In the return, the home team started clearly the best, but it was still Inter who came to score the first goal.
But Inter’s happiness would not last very long, just two minutes after Inter went ahead, Griezmann equalised to make it 1-1 (1-2 on aggregate). With just under four minutes left of normal time, Atletico equalised Inter’s overall lead to 2-2, after which extra time awaited. Extra time ended goalless and penalties decided in favour of the home team.
At home Atletico Madrid have been incredibly strong. In the Champions League, they have won all four home games so far. José Giménez looks set to be back in action, however, Thomas Lemar is still expected to be out of the squad due to an injury he sustained in September.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are Germany’s second most successful club in the Champions League along with SV Hamburg. Founded in 1909 in Dortmund, Borussia Dortmund have attracted an impressive array of players over the years, including legends Michael Zorc, Karl-Heinz Riedle and Marco Reus. Today, Jadon Sancho, Niklas Süle, Marcel Sabitzer and Julian Brandt are among their key players.
There have been no major successes in Europe for Dortmund since the loss in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2013.
Before the group stage, few thought that Dortmund would finish top in the “group of death” against Newcastle United, PSG and Milan. In the round of 16, Dortmund were drawn against PSV Eindhoven. After a 1-1 draw in the Netherlands, a 2-0 home win saw them progress.
Ivorian Sebastien Haller is yet to return from the injury he sustained at the AFCON and it is thought that he will miss both matches against Atletico. However, Dortmund hope to bring back Jadon Sancho, Julian Ryerson and Samuel Bamba. In the last match against PSV Eindhoven, Nico Schlotterbeck was suspended and is now available again.
Betting tips Borussia Dortmund vs Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid are often underestimated in the Champions League and quite often upset the bookies. Now, however, they are favourites, which may not suit Simeone’s team particularly well. Dortmund are a good side and it will not be an easy task for Atleti. However, we expect Simeone’s side to progress, especially after winning the first leg. We think that the game will finish in a low scoring draw. Which will be enough to see the Spanish side go through.
We predict: Atletico Madrid to go through. You might also fancy Atleti to hit Dortmund on the counter attack so it might be worth betting on Simeone’s side to score more than 1.5 goals.
Champions League Odds
The lastest Champions League outright odds are as follows:
| Odds | |
| Manchester City | 13/8 |
| PSG | 10/3 |
| Arsenal | 6/1 |
| Real Madrid | 7/1 |
| Bayern Munich | 7/1 |
| Dortmund | 9/1 |
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