With the league phase out of the way, attention now turns to the playoff round, where teams finishing between 9th and 24th must navigate a two-legged tie to reach the Round of 16. Tuesday night serves up some heavyweight clashes, and we take a closer look at two of the standout fixtures.
Outright Betting Snapshot
In the outright market, Arsenal lead the way at 4.50, followed by Bayern Munich (5.50). Manchester City and Barcelona are both priced at 8.00, with Paris Saint-Germain at 9.00, while the rest of the field is available at 11.00 and bigger.
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Galatasaray vs Juventus – Click here to bet
Galatasaray limped into the playoff positions after a difficult end to the league phase, losing three and drawing one of their final four matches. That said, they were beaten just once at home across four fixtures and arrive in strong domestic form. They have won four consecutive matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and conceding just two during that run.
Juventus finished the league phase far more convincingly, winning three and drawing two of their final five matches. Their only away defeat came against Real Madrid, which is hardly a black mark. Domestically, however, form has dipped and Juve have taken just one point from their last six Serie A matches, most recently losing an entertaining 3–2 away to Inter.
Match Odds (1X2)
- Galatasaray: 3.40
- Draw: 3.50
- Juventus: 2.10
Verdict
Galatasaray’s recent improvement is noted, but Juventus’ stronger league-phase finish suggests to me they are the hungrier of the sides. I expect the Italians to edge the first leg and take an advantage back to Turin.
BET: Juventus to win at 2.10
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Benfica vs Real Madrid – click here to bet
One of Europe’s big guns will miss out on the Round of 16, and with Real Madrid trading odds-on away from home, Benfica are clear underdogs on paper.
Benfica won three and lost two of their home matches during the league and qualification phase but have put together a solid recent run, winning four and drawing one of their last five matches. The Portuguese side will also take confidence from their most recent meeting with Real Madrid at this venue, where they claimed a 4–2 victory despite Real starting strong favourites.
That defeat remains Real Madrid’s only loss in their last seven matches, with the other six all ending in victory. They come into this tie on the back of an emphatic 4–1 home win over Real Sociedad.
Match Odds (1X2)
- Benfica: 3.75
- Draw: 3.85
- Real Madrid: 1.91
Verdict
Benfica are capable of keeping this tie alive heading to Madrid, but goals look the standout angle. Both sides carry attacking threat, and another open encounter is expected.
BET: Over 3.5 goals at 2.45
Odds correct at time of writing but subject to change.
