Champions League Semi-Finals: News, odds and tips

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Champions League Semi-Finals: Real Madrid favourites to be European champions for a 15th time

The Champions League semi finals have produced some intriguing matchups. Real Madrid, having triumphed over Manchester City in a thrilling quarter-final clash, will square off against Bayern Munich, renewing their rivalry from 2018. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain, fueled by their impressive victory over Barcelona, will clash with Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be another gripping encounter. With last season’s champions, and favourites Manchester City out of the picture, the path to glory at Wembley Stadium on June 1 is wide open. We look at the semi-finals and look at who will reach the final and who, ultimately is capable of lifting the famous trophy.

Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain

Dates: Wednesday May 1 20;00/Tuesday May 7 20;00

Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund/Parc des Princes, Paris

Teams: Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain

The clash between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain promises to be a thrilling showdown, considering their impressive journeys in the competition thus far. Both teams have displayed resilience and quality, overcoming formidable opponents along the way.

Dortmund’s path has been marked by their ability to bounce back, exemplified by their memorable comeback against Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, PSG has showcased their dominance, notably with convincing wins over Barcelona and Real Sociedad.

While PSG holds a historical advantage over Dortmund in European encounters, every match brings new possibilities, and Dortmund will undoubtedly be motivated to upset the odds.

The potential for a rematch between PSG and Bayern Munich in the final adds an extra layer of excitement, especially considering their previous meeting in the 2019/20 final. It could represent a significant moment for PSG, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future.

Although Bayern’s advancement might seem improbable, football is unpredictable, and surprises are always possible in the knockout stages. Nevertheless, PSG appears well-positioned to meet expectations and secure a spot in the final, though Dortmund is sure to provide stiff competition.

Borussia Dortmund

BVB are tactically flexible, however they generally set up in a 4-3-3 with a back four and three central midfielders, and quick wide players. They can press and, when in possession, attack in a number of ways, according to the opposition.

Dortmund are gearing up for a pivotal Champions League semi-final showdown against PSG, following their recent triumph over Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. Despite some stumbling blocks in the Bundesliga of late, Dortmund’s unbeaten streak at Westfalenstadion in the Champions League offers them a solid foundation for the upcoming clash.

While they may be viewed as underdogs, Dortmund has proven their ability to rise to the occasion, as evidenced by their victory over Atletico. Jadon Sancho’s stellar performance, becoming the highest-scoring Englishman in Bundesliga history, adds to their confidence going into the match.

With their home advantage and a track record of success at Westfalenstadion, Dortmund has the potential to secure a positive result against PSG. This match presents an opportunity for them to continue their journey towards emulating the achievements of the revered 1996-97 squad.

Ramy Bensebaini (knee) and Sebastien Haller (ankle) are out injured while Ian Maatsen (muscle), Donyell Malen (thigh) and Mats Hummels (shin) are all doubtful and face fitness tests. Maatsen and Emre Can both served domestic suspensions at the weekend, however, they are available against PSG.

Paris Saint-Germain

In Mbappé PSG arguably possess the best player in the world at the moment. Luis Enrique has got PSG playing with zest and purpose, with Warren Zaïre-Emery developing into one of the most exciting midfield player in the game. Enrique’s system is based on tactical flexibility, starting in a 4-3-3 but going into a 3-4-3 in possession, with Lucas Hernandez sliding inside to make a third central defender, allowing Achraf Hakimi to push into midfield, Vitinha going wide on the left, allowing Mbappe to move into central areas.

PSG took a thrilling step forward in their quest for a maiden Champions League trophy by overcoming Barcelona 6-4 on aggregate in a pulsating quarter-final clash. Despite initially trailing, they orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, fueled by Mbappe’s brace, Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembele’s strike against his former club. This victory propels PSG into their third semi-final in five seasons.

Their recent triumph follows a string of impressive performances in Ligue 1, including two commanding 4-1 victories over Lyon and Lorient. Though they were pushed to the brink in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Le Harve, Goncalo Ramos’ last-gasp equalizer ensured PSG clinched their 12th league title without needing to play, courtesy of Monaco’s loss to Lyon.

Buoyed by their domestic success, PSG now set their sights on their Champions League clash with Dortmund. Despite finishing second to Dortmund in Group F, PSG’s unbeaten streak of 15 away games across all competitions boosts their confidence ahead of the first leg. However, history is not on their side, as they have never triumphed in their three previous visits to Germany against Dortmund.

The upcoming showdown promises to be a captivating battle, with both teams eager to seize the advantage. PSG’s recent form and Dortmund’s home dominance add layers of intrigue to what is sure to be a compelling encounter.

Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Layvin Kurzawa (back), Sergio Rico (head) are all out with injuries . Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nuno Mendes, Lucas Hernandez and Fabian Ruiz were all rested at the weekend, but they are all expected to be involved on Wednesday. Mbappe started on the bench at the weekend in order to keep him fresh and is a certain starter.

Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint-Germain: Second Leg Odds

Check out the latest live odds for the first leg:

Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

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Borussia Dortmund vs PSG: Odds to reach final

	Odds
PSG	4/11
Borussia Dortmund	2/1

Odds from bet365. Odds correct as of 11:30 on 24.04.24. Odds subject to change.

Prediction:

Paris Saint-Germain to reach the final.

First leg tip: Score draw. +3.5 go

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Dates: Tuesday April 30 20;00//Wednesday May 8 20;00

Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich/Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Teams: Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Bayern Munich, second favourites come up against tournament favourites and 14-time winners, Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich, facing their first potentially trophyless campaign in over a decade, are poised to fight tooth and nail to prevent this fate.

Manager Thomas Tuchel, having tasted Champions League success with Chelsea, understands the intricacies of reaching the pinnacle. However, navigating past the formidable Real Madrid side could prove to be his toughest challenge yet.

Tuchel has stated he aims to play “fast and fluid” football since his arrival last season. This means that Bayern play out from the back with sharp vertical passes put together some cutting inter-changes in the final third. Harry Kane has proved to be a good fit up top, combining his clinical finishing with his ability to drop deeper to link the play. Bayern possess a lot of pace in wide positions and Kane contributes to bringing them into play.

Bayern have a number of injury problems, however, Alphonso Davies is now available again after serving a one-match suspension. Sacha Boey (hip), Gabriel Marusic (ACL), Bouna Sarr (ACL), Kingsley Coman (groin) and Tarek Buchmann (hamstring) are all out. Konrad Laimer (ankle) Jamal Musiala (groin), Leroy Sane (groin), Serge Gnabry (hamstring), Dayot Upamecano (ankle)and Matthijs de Ligt (knee) are all doubtful.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are aptly named Reyes de Europa (Kings of Europe) in their homeland. They stand on the brink of potentially clinching their record-extending 15th Champions League crown, a feat driven by Ancelotti’s desire for redemption. They’ve already repaid Manchester City for last season’s semi-final upset while simultaneously threatening Barcelona’s La Liga reign.

This season has been a testament to Madrid’s resilience, with no challenge seeming insurmountable for the most successful club in European football. Despite a transitional phase, highlighted by Jude Bellingham’s emergence, the squad is determined to etch their names into the history books.

The memory of their previous encounter with Bayern Munich in the Champions League, led by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema, looms large. Only a handful of players from that era remain, with stalwarts like Carvajal, Ceballos, Modric, and Kroos now spearheading Ancelotti’s new-look team.

Yet, this squad is no stranger to continental glory, having secured the Champions League title in 2021/22, courtesy of Vinicius Junior’s heroics against Liverpool.

Madrid have generally been lining up in a 4-4-2, with a midfield diamond. Bellingham generally plays at the top of the diamond, behind the front two, but drops into the left of midfield when out of possession, with the midfield becoming flatter. However, against Man City, Ancelotti lined up in more of a 4-2-3-1, or a flatter 4-4-2 and the vastly experienced Italian could further tweak the shape against Bayern.

Madrid are arguably the best team in Europe on transition, with pace and quality. They are a tenacious side and have the benefit of experienced hands such as Toni Kroos and Luca Modric. Against City, Madrid used Modric from the bench and the Croatian coming on with fresh legs and quality changed the course of the game in the first leg.

Jude Bellingham (illness) was rested at the weekend but should be fit. Rodrygo (illness) and Ferland Mendy, who was suffering from fatigue should also make it. Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba are both still out. Dani Carvajal is suspended and could be replaced by Lucas Vazquez.

First Leg Result: Bayern Munich 2 Real Madrid 2