We turn our attention to Europe this week, focusing on two pivotal UEFA Champions League clashes on Tuesday, each promising plenty of excitement. Below are our insights and some betting options for you to consider.
Let’s start by reviewing the latest outright market odds: Liverpool have emerged as favourites at 9/2, with Manchester City close behind at 5/1. Barcelona follow at 6/1, while both Arsenal and defending champions Real Madrid are priced at 13/2. At 7/1, Bayern Munich remain strong candidates, while the other contenders are priced at 16/1 or higher.
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GIRONA v LIVERPOOL – Click here to bet
Girona welcome Liverpool to the Estadi Montilivi on Tuesday night for a crucial Champions League clash. Girona’s European debut has been a challenging one, and they will need a massive performance if they are to secure a result against a Liverpool side in excellent form. The Spanish side has struggled in their opening fixtures, while Liverpool will be determined to maintain their perfect start in the competition.
Girona have had a tough run in the Champions League, losing 1-0 away to Sturm Graz in their most recent outing, and are currently languishing in 30th place in the standings with just one win from five matches. They’ve had a particularly tough time on the road, having played four of their five fixtures away from Montilivi, where they’ve lost all four. Their only victory came against minnows Slovan Bratislava in their only home fixture to date. Girona’s domestic form, however, has been much better, with the team sitting comfortably in the top half of La Liga. Despite this, their European form has not matched their league performances, and they’ll be hoping to turn things around in front of their home fans.
Champions League Form: W1 D0 L4
This season, Girona average 0.8 goals per game in Europe while conceding an average of 1.8. Under 2.5 goals have featured in 60% of those encounters overall (3 out of 5 matches).
Liverpool arrive at Montilivi with an impressive record in both domestic and European competitions. They have won all five of their Champions League matches so far, with their most recent victory being a clinical 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield. Unsurprisingly, Arne Slot’s side sit at the top of the table, 2 points ahead of Inter Milan with 15 points. With three games remaining in the group phase, the Reds are one step closer to qualifying automatically for the last 16.
Liverpool will be slightly fresher going into this clash, as their Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday was postponed due to inclement weather, allowing the Reds an extra few days of rest compared to Girona, who have been involved in league action. Despite not featuring domestically this weekend, they remain 1st in the Premier League, such has been their dominance this season overall.
Champions League Form: W5 D0 L0
This season, Liverpool average 2.4 goals per game in Europe while conceding an average of 0.2. Under 2.5 goals have featured in 60% of those encounters overall (3 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
This will mark the first time these two sides have featured against one another.
Betting
Girona 11/2
Draw 4/1
Liverpool 9/20
Verdict
Girona’s struggles in the Champions League, combined with their gruelling schedule, make this a difficult encounter for the hosts. Liverpool’s perfect record in the competition, having conceded just one goal, coupled with their attacking firepower and fresh legs after the postponed derby, makes them worthy favourites to make it six wins from six in Europe.
Suggested Bet: Liverpool win to nil, yes at 31/20
ATALANTA v REAL MADRID – Click here to bet
Atalanta will host Real Madrid at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday night in a high-stakes Champions League clash. The Italian side has been in scintillating form this season, remaining unbeaten in their last fourteen matches across all competitions, including a remarkable nine-game winning streak heading into this European encounter. With Real Madrid looking less prolific, particularly in Europe this season, Atalanta will certainly fancy their chances of pulling off an upset.
Sitting at the top of Serie A with 34 points, Atalanta has been simply brilliant this campaign. They remain unbeaten in the Champions League, where they sit 5th in the standings with 11 points, boasting three wins and two draws. They will head into Tuesday’s clash on the back of an impressive 2-1 victory at home against AC Milan, while their most recent European outing saw the Nerazzurri cruise to a commanding 6-1 win away at Young Boys, further solidifying their status as one of Europe’s most dangerous teams on current form.
Champions League Form: W3 D2 L0
This season, Atalanta average 2.2 goals per game in Europe while conceding an average of 0.2. Under 2.5 goals have featured in 60% of those encounters overall (3 out of 5 matches).
Real Madrid are struggling in the Champions League at present, having been a shadow of their usual selves. They are currently in 24th position in the group standings, with just 6 points from their opening 5 matches. Their most recent Champions League encounter saw them lose 2-0 to Liverpool, a result that has further compounded their difficulties in Europe this season.
Coming off a commanding 3-0 win away to Girona domestically, Real Madrid are now 2nd in La Liga with 36 points. Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping they can replicate a similar performance this week when facing a very confident Atalanta side in Bergamo. With this effectively being a must-win scenario for Los Blancos if they want to qualify automatically, Real Madrid will need to dig deep to secure their third victory in Europe this week.
Champions League Form: W2 D0 L3
This season, Real Madrid average 1.8 goals per game in Europe while conceding an average of 1.8. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 60% of those encounters overall (3 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
These two sides have faced each other just twice in European competition, with Real Madrid winning on both occasions. Their most recent meeting came in the Round of 16 during the 2021/22 season, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, followed by a 3-1 win in Madrid in the second.
Betting
Atalanta 17/10
Draw 27/10
Real Madrid 15/10
Verdict
Given Atalanta’s unbeaten streak and solid home form in Europe, the Double Chance market offers excellent value here. With Real Madrid desperate for a positive result and both teams boasting formidable attacking options, a chance is taken on the hosts to avoid defeat, with both teams to get on the score sheet in Italy.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score, Atalanta/Draw and Yes at 12/10
Click here for all of this week’s European football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
