CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL: Our European football tipster The Ultra previews CHELSEA v REAL MADRID with a recommended BETDAQ bet.

CHELSEA V REAL MADRID

8pm The football eyes of the world will focus on Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night for a massive Champions League Semi-Final! Chelsea will be a little unlucky with the 1-1 draw when Real Madrid had home advantage – not that home advantage counts for much these days with games behind closed doors. We should have a fascinating night ahead on BETDAQ Betting Exchange!

Both sides have a very smooth 2-0 win at the weekend, with Chelsea beating Fulham and Real Madrid beating Osasuna. They were two important wins, with Chelsea battling for the Top Four and Real Madrid still fighting for the La Liga title. Chelsea would have felt unlucky not to win the first leg as they definitely had the better chances – xG agreed with the game finishing 1.75 to 0.96 to Chelsea. You have to give credit to Real Madrid though in the sense that they weren’t at their best but they were able to grind out a result.

I had a very confident bet on under 2.5 goals in the first leg and although we collected, we had to sweat given it was 1-1 reasonably early. I always expected a tight game, and we could easily have a very tight game again here. Even if we have an early goal, if the score goes 1-1, we’ll go back to being cagey again! It’s always tricky to back unders with Real Madrid as they like to play an open game, but again this games screams unders on paper.

I don’t feel it’s worth the same high stake however, as an early goal could throw the life into life unlike the first leg when it was less likely to be so open. For me, Chelsea look very short in the match odds market at 2.28 and I wouldn’t put anyone off laying those odds – I just prefer the under 2.5 goals option at 1.79. I know Chelsea created the better chances in the first leg, but we all know Real Madrid are a top side and have the experience of these big Champions League nights. I would expect a closer game than odds of 2.28 reflect on Chelsea.

Over all though, I expect another reasonably cagey game. Real Madrid need to score, but I can’t see them starting the game all guns blazing. They know a 1-0 win will be good enough or even a 1-1 draw sends them to extra time – there’s no need to attack from the start. I wouldn’t be surprised to see 0-0 at half-time if you’re trading in-running, and then the game open up a little in the second half.

The Ultra Says:
Two points win Under 2.5 goals at 1.79 with BETDAQ Betting Exchange

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