European football returns this week, as the Champions League and Europa League reach the semi-final stages. The last four in each competition can almost taste the final, but who will take a first leg advantage? We could be about to see history, as Real Madrid push to be crowned European champions for the second season in a row, something no one has achieved in the current format.
Manchester United are England’s last European hope and they head to Spain on Thursday for their Europa League semi. Before that there are three European ties which could all be entertaining, and we expect to see some great games over the course of the next week. To make things a little more interesting, we have picked out a betting tip on each semi, which you can see below.
Tuesday 2nd May 2017
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45) – Atletico or draw (evens with Coral)
Given their dominance of European football, it would be fitting if Real Madrid became the first side to retain the Champions League. The bookmakers have made them favourites for the trophy, but can they get over the line against their neighbours Atletico? Having eliminated Diego Simone’s side in the previous three seasons, you’d expect Zinedine Zidane and co. to come into this tie with plenty of confidence. However, history suggests that Real have to fall somewhere, could Atleti claim some revenge with a semi-final victory?
If you look back at Atletico’s recent record at the Bernabeu, there are some impressive results in there for the visitors. They’ve avoided defeat in five of their last six at this ground, including a 1-1 draw here in April. That draw was followed up by two home defeats for Real, the first was a 2-1 loss in normal time to Bayern before their El Clasico defeat. That should make Simeone and his side even more confident ahead of this trip, and we’re backing them to pull off a result on Tuesday. Atleti are priced at evens with Coral to avoid defeat, and we think that’s the best value bet on this clash.
Wednesday 3rd May 2017
Ajax v Lyon (17:45) – Ajax to win (13/10 with SkyBet)
Wednesday’s European offering kicks off slightly earlier, with Ajax hosting Lyon in the first Europa League semi-final. The Dutch side only made it through to the last four thanks to an incredible display in Germany last month. After a 2-0 defeat to Schalke sent their quarter-final to extra time, Ajax found themselves 3-0 down with time ticking away. However, two late goals sent them through on aggregate, completing an incredible turnaround for the men from Amsterdam. Can they build on that result by seeing off Lyon on Wednesday evening?
While UEFA seem to be using this tie as a dry run for their Champions League double headers starting in 2018, there’s still a lot to be excited about here. Ajax have a side based on youth, but that hasn’t stopped them so far. The Dutch side are set to miss out on the Eredivisie title, but the manner of their 2-0 win over Schalke in the first leg shows that they’re capable of a great performance. Lyon have been shaky on the road, which has us backing a home win on Wednesday at 13/10 with Sky Bet.
Monaco v Juventus (19:45) – Juventus clean sheet (9/4 with Ladbrokes)
Juventus pulled off an incredible result over two legs against Barcelona, dumping them out 3-0 on aggregate. That marks them out as serious contenders for the Champions League, and it should worry a Monaco side who are solely focused on attacking. The Ligue 1 side have been brilliant going forward this term, but are they really better than Barcelona’s MSN? While the French club have been brilliant so far, they’re about to finally come up against top class opposition in Europe. That could prove to be a step too far, especially for such a young, inexperienced side.
Juventus have a massive edge in terms of experience, which includes their victory over Monaco in the quarter-finals in 2015. They went on to make the final that season, and that’s their minimum aim this time around. The Italian champions have been great in the knockout rounds so far, they’re yet to concede a goal. They’ve let in just two goals in this competition, and we can see them pulling off another clean sheet on Wednesday night. We’re backing Juve not to concede as our main bet for this first leg clash, which is priced at 9/4 with Ladbrokes.
Thursday 4th May 2017
Celta Vigo v Manchester United (20:05) – Both teams to score (Evens with Betfair)
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear that this competition is their main priority this season. The Red Devils are favourites to win the Europa League, which would book them a place in next season’s Champions League. However, Spanish sides have been dominating Europe in recent years, with Sevilla winning this competition three years running. Can Celta carry on that tradition, or will they fall to Mourinho’s improving United? Given how the Red Devils have performed in Europe so far, we probably won’t find out too much from this first leg. It’s likely to be a tight affair.
However, United are going up against a Celta side who have scored in every Europa League game this season. That should make them a threat, especially at home. Mourinho’s troops are in good scoring form in Europe, having found the net in in their last 11 Europa League matches. Their recent games haven’t been high scoring, but three of their last four have finished with both teams finding the net. We’re backing that run to continue against an attack minded Celta side, with both teams to score looking very well priced at evens with Betfair.