Continuing our coverage from last week, we focus on two pivotal second-leg play-off matchups in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League schedule. All four teams are still very much in the hunt for a spot in the round of 16, with everything to play for.
But before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at the latest outright odds. Liverpool lead the way as 4/1 favourites, with defending champions Real Madrid right behind at 5/1. Arsenal and Barcelona are close at 6/1, while the remaining contenders are priced at 7/1 or higher.
Click here for all the latest Champions League Outright Betting
PSV EINDHOVEN v JUVENTUS – Click here to bet
PSV Eindhoven will look to overturn a 2-1 deficit when they host Juventus in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie on Wednesday. Despite trailing from the first leg in Turin, PSV remain very much in the contest, knowing that home-ground advantage could play a significant role in the outcome of this tie.
Peter Bosz’s side have been impressive at the Philips Stadium in Europe this season, winning three and drawing one of their four home matches in the group phase. The Dutch outfit will take inspiration from that record and are expected to adopt an aggressive approach as they attempt to overcome the Italian giants. However, PSV’s momentum took a slight hit over the weekend as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Utrecht, leaving them second in the Eredivisie, two points behind Ajax at the summit.
Juventus secured a crucial 2-1 win in Turin last week, giving them an edge heading into this decisive second leg. Despite winning just once away from home in Europe during the group phase, Thiago Motta’s side remain unbeaten on the road, having drawn their remaining three matches.
If they can maintain that resilience, they will book their place in the next round. Their confidence will be further boosted by a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in Serie A over the weekend, which propelled them to fourth in the standings. The Bianconeri have now won four consecutive matches in all competitions and appear to be hitting form at the perfect time.
Head-to-Head
These two sides met for only the second time last week, having already faced each other earlier this season. Juventus emerged victorious on both occasions in Turin, first with a 3-1 win and then with a 2-1 victory in last week’s first-leg tie.
Betting
PSV Eindhoven 27/20
Draw 27/10
Juventus 39/20
Verdict
PSV’s attacking mindset at home could make this a thrilling contest, but Juventus’ defensive organisation and experience in European knockout ties could prove decisive. While the Dutch side will push hard for a win, I expect Juventus to do enough to see out the tie.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance And Both Teams To Score – Draw/Juventus And Yes at 11/8
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REAL MADRID v MANCHESTER CITY – Click here to bet
A dramatic 92nd-minute winner in the first leg saw Real Madrid snatch a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Etihad, setting up a blockbuster second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. The 15-time UEFA Champions League winners have once again demonstrated their European pedigree and now stand on the verge of eliminating Manchester City from the competition for the third time in four seasons.
The Spanish giants have built their legacy on moments of magic in the knockout stages, and despite a slight dip in La Liga form—failing to win for the third consecutive match after a 1-1 draw at Osasuna—their history in Europe speaks volumes. Real Madrid boast an astonishing record in knockout ties, progressing in 37 of the 39 instances where they won the first leg away from home. With three wins from four at the Bernabéu already secured in Europe this season, Los Blancos will be eager to produce another famous European night and put City to the sword.
Manchester City, however, are far from done. The Citizens will be desperate to turn the tide and prove they have what it takes to conquer Madrid on their own turf. Pep Guardiola’s side have been uncharacteristically inconsistent this season, struggling to string together a run of dominant performances. The first-leg collapse at the Etihad was a bitter pill to swallow and could prove decisive in their quest for European glory.
Yet, if any team has the firepower and tactical acumen to defy the odds, it’s City. Over the weekend, they sent out a statement of intent with a resounding 4-0 victory over Newcastle United, climbing to fourth in the Premier League. With the likes of Erling Haaland up front and Omar Marmoush announcing himself to the Etihad faithful with a stunning hat-trick over the weekend, City will be hoping for a repeat of that performance as they face the kings of Europe in what promises to be an epic showdown.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 13 times in total, with their head-to-head record now evenly balanced after Real Madrid’s 3-2 triumph at the Etihad last week. Both teams have secured four wins each, along with five draws.
Betting
Real Madrid 17/20
Draw 33/10
Manchester City 26/10
Verdict
Real Madrid remain unbeaten in their last three home meetings against Manchester City at the Bernabéu. However, having already suffered a home defeat to Milan earlier this season, Carlo Ancelotti will not be resting on his laurels, knowing his side will face a determined and desperate City outfit this week. While picking an outright winner seems tricky, goals have consistently been a feature of this explosive fixture, and Wednesday should be no different. The manner in which Madrid secured last week’s victory suggests they have the edge and should avoid defeat in what promises to be yet another thrilling encounter between these two sides.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score – Real Madrid/Draw and Yes at 15/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
