Hello folks. As predicted, Real Madrid 'easily' went through to the next round by beating the German side 3-0. The score could be much higher if the ball would not stop on the woodwork and the Spaniards were a bit more serious to push the ball in the net. In the other game, Manchester City was a much better team than PSG and fairly the English qualify to the next round. Having said that, I am surprised that we did not see more goals in those games but after watching the games, I realised that Lady Luck did not favour the Over 3.5 and 2.5 goals markets.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona. Fernando Torre's red card spoiled all the fun for Atletico and Barcelona took advantage to change things around. As much as unfair it was for Atletico, things could be much worse for them although, the score 2-1 gives them hope.
Barcelona is the Bookies' favourite to win the Champions League this year and.... Who can blame them? However, in terms of the team's current form, I think they might struggle against Atletico today.
Barcelona's defence conceded goals in five games in a row and failed to win the latest 3 games in Spanish Primera Division. This fact alone tells me that Barcelona is not at top form at the moment and is normal for all teams in the world to experience a period 'out of good form'.
The experts say that usually does not last more than 3-4 weeks unless there are other contributing factors.
I am not a big fan of Atletico Madrid mainly because of the 'dull' and 'conservative' football they play the last 2-3 years. Low scoring team compare to others which are high on the board. In their defence I have to say they are a very effective team and they look after their defence. Their current form is more stable and consistent compared to Barcelona's.
Against the odds, I think Atletico Madrid can take advantage Barcelona's poor form (if that continues today) and knock them out of the competition. I find it difficult to predict the Over/Under market simply because this will be depended on a) How strong defensively the Atletico would be and b) If Barcelona's 'out of good form' will continue today. So..... I back Atletico to win in 90' minutes even if that means the game could go to extra time. WON
Benfica vs Bayern Munich. Bayern 'struggled' to win comfortably in the first leg and the 1-0 score 'sounds' fragile. I have predicted Under 2.5 goals in that game and.... When Bayern scored in the 2nd minute of the game, I said ''Oh dear.... Bet is lost'' BUT never say never because anything is possible in football. Both teams tried hard to score and there were many missed chances. It was just a matter of luck that game to end with one goal which gives a very small advantage for the German side. They have no choice but to play open and attack in order to 'secure' the qualification. On the other hand, the Portuguese can't sit back and defend but they will push high on the field try to score at their home.
Benfica is a very respected opponent but I can't close my eyes to the superiority of Bayern. Having said that, I will be extremely surprised to see these teams again loosing a dozen of chances to score.
There is absolutely no value in betting 'Bayern to Qualify' or to 'Win' but I find great value in Over 2.5 goals where price in Betfair Exchange pays as high as 2.12 at the moment (01:01 am UK time). WON
Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce. Very interesting game in Turkey between two 'traditionally' top teams of the League.
The hosts are having a tough season due to the well known issues 'in and out' of the dressing rooms. They remain strong at home with only one defeat and they draw frequently. They have not lost from Fenerbache at home since since 2012.
The visitors, want to win this game as a matter of great importance but.... Is their current form 'good enough' to get away with the 3 points of victory which allow them to close the 'gap' from Besiktas?
Since the dramatic 4-1 defeat in the away game against Braga, the team looks 'lost in space'. As a result, they suffered a draw against Osmalispor and a defeat away with Konyaspor. Today, backing the Draw sounds good to me. WON