Welcome back to the crème de la crème of football – the football games which prove who the top dog in the world is, not just Europe, for this is the highest level in this beautiful game of ours.
Sports betting permutations could not be more wide-ranging as we reach the quarter-final stage.
And my betting tips are reached after much deliberation as eight clubs bid to remain on the road to Cardiff 2017.
Borussia Dortmund vs Monaco (April 12, 02:45 GMT+8)
The Germans were always fancied to see off Benfica in the last 16 and, despite a first leg setback, eventually did so with some style.
Monaco were always second favourites against Manchester City, yet proved their worth to progress on away goals after a 6-6 thriller.
Domestically, Dortmund would hardly have been thrilled at having to play Bayern Munich little over 72 hours before this one.
Yet, they could do so safe in the knowledge they have all but sealed a return to Champions League, via the Bundesliga next season.
Likewise, Monaco have control of their own destiny in Ligue 1, yet will be concerned at how they were brushed aside in the French Cup Final.
This one should go right to the wire over two legs and I expect two exciting, attacking sides to produce an absorbing contest.
I’m going to hedge my bets with this one.
My 🌟🌟 tip is Asian Handicap -1.00 Borussia Dortmund @ 2.16, with a 🌟 punt of 1X2 Draw @ 3.95.
Juventus vs Barcelona (April 12, 02:45 GMT+8)
Come on, admit it.
Hands up if you thought Barcelona would even be at this stage.
No, I thought not.
Not after their 4-0 drubbing to PSG in the first leg of the last 16 tie.
The second leg is now part of Catalan and Champions League folklore – even if they did require some very debatable decisions to complete an incredible turnaround.
This is a real test for Juventus who have largely fallen short in Europe against their fellow big boys.
In a repeat of the 2015 final, which Barca won 3-1, I expect a very tight first leg.
I’ll go with 2 x 🌟🌟 bets of:
Under 2.25 goals @ 2.16 and Draw No Bet Barcelona @ 2.06.
Atletico Madrid vs Leicester City (April 13, 02:45 GMT+8)
The most unlikely pairing left in the competition, last season’s beaten finalists Atletico will not underestimate England’s champions.
They shocked most of the sports betting world, as well as Europa League holders Sevilla in the last round.
Their remarkable story has been a joy to witness, both domestically and in Europe, and their miracle men deserve their place among Europe’s most illustrious clubs.
This is where the run ends, however, against an Atletico side now recognisable again after a stuttering start to 2017.
The Champions League is the Rojiblancos’ main aim as last season’s defeated finalists aim to go one better.
Up to third in La Liga and playing well, that is reflected in my prediction of:
First Half Asian Handicap -0.75 Atletico Madrid @ 2.16 and Asian Handicap -1.50 Atletico Madrid @ 1.98 – both are 🌟🌟🌟 tips.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid (April 13, 02:45 GMT+8)
Another true clash of giants with the holders pitting their wits against the 2013 champions.
Even more headline billing this time is the reunion with former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, now at Bayern, who guided Madrid to their long sought-after La Decima in 2014, demolishing then holders Bayern en route to the semi-finals.
It will be much closer this time around.
Xabi Alonso and Toni Kroos face their former clubs where they won the Champions League and will also be out to impress.
This, for me, is too close to call.
I will go with a 🌟 bet of Asian Handicap -0.75 Bayern Munich @ 2.03, a 🌟🌟 tip of 1X2 draw @ 3.60 and a 🌟🌟 bet of Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.01.
These quarter-finals should be utterly compelling as the race to be crowned champions of Europe gathers pace.
June 3 – remember the date!
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