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The UEFA Champions League kicked off in the summer with 36 teams eager to chart their course to next month’s final in Budapest. After an exhilarating league stage and knockout rounds, just four teams remain in contention. The first leg of the semi-finals, held this week, now offers these clubs a chance to press closer to the coveted title.
Defending champions PSG will host Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich at 5:00am AEST on Wednesday morning. Many analysts predict that the winner of PSG versus Bayern Munich is highly likely to go on to clinch the ultimate prize. A day later, Atletico Madrid will take on Arsenal on Spanish soil, with the Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta keen to take a lead back to London.
To mark the semi-finals, Australia’s leading online bookmakers have rolled out a wide array of betting options. Football enthusiasts can select from over 100 pre-match markets, with extensive in-play options available as well.
PSG vs Bayern Munich, Wednesday, 5:00am AEST
PSG will host Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes for a highly anticipated clash that promises to draw a worldwide audience. The stadium will be filled to capacity, with countless others tuning in across various platforms including Stan Sports in Australia. Which side will take the opportunity to secure an advantageous aggregate score in advance of next week’s decisive second leg at Bayern’s Allianz Arena?
PSG had a rough start, finishing 11th after eight matches in the Champions League, amassing just 14 points—seven fewer than Bayern. Missing out on a spot in the top eight meant Luis Enrique’s squad had to fight through the playoffs, where they ousted Monaco 5-4 on aggregate. They then dismantled Chelsea 8-2 in the Round of 16 and bested Liverpool 4-0 in the quarters last month.
Bayern Munich Dominance
Bayern Munich entered this season’s Champions League as the clear favourites according to well-regarded bookmakers. The German champions showed their prowess, winning seven of their first eight matches, with only one defeat against Arsenal, resulting in a second-place finish—three points behind the Gunners.
After solidifying their presence in the knockout rounds, Bayern have continued to impress. They cruised past Serie A’s Atalanta with a staggering 10-2 aggregate victory in the last 16 before overcoming Real Madrid with a 6-4 aggregate score in the quarter-finals. The journey continues.
Under 3.5 Goals
If you’re seeking a more exhilarating wager, statistics reveal that Bayern Munich has claimed a 1-0 victory in three of their last six encounters against PSG. If you’re considering a correct score bet at bet365, PSG 0-1 Bayern Munich offers a generous price of $17. It’s likely both teams might appreciate a similar outcome, preferring to settle affairs in the second leg next Thursday morning.
Tip: Under 3.5 goals @ $1.80 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If the PSG vs Bayern Munich game concludes with fewer than four total goals scored by both teams, you’ll secure these attractive odds.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal, Thursday, 5:00am AEST
Once the dramatic showdown in Paris concludes, we turn our attention to Spain for Atletico Madrid’s clash with Arsenal. The Metropolitano Stadium will be the venue, with Diego Simeone’s squad striving to capitalise on their home advantage. Fans of the Mattress Makers are aware that their best chance of advancing to the final lies in establishing a solid lead to take back to the Emirates Stadium in London.
Atletico Madrid also faltered in the league phase, failing to finish in the top eight. With stats showing four wins, one draw, and three losses, they ended up in 14th position—11 points adrift of their London opponents. They battled through the playoffs, defeating Club Brugge 4-1 in the first leg and advancing with a 7-4 aggregate. They then outperformed Tottenham 5-2 in the last 16 and famously triumphed over Barcelona in the quarters.
Gunners Set for a Key Advantage
Followers of this season’s UEFA Champions League would likely agree that it would be justifiable for Arsenal to lift the trophy. The London side surged to the top of the English Premier League early on and enjoyed a similar path in the Champions League. Arsenal finished atop their group after eight matches, securing eight wins with the most goals scored and the tightest defence.
Under Arteta’s tutelage, the North London club didn’t take a back seat, continuing to dazzle by besting Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 in the last 16 and Sporting 1-0 in the quarter-finals. Supporters expected a more comfortable victory margin against the Portuguese side, but in this sport, a single goal can sometimes do the trick. They secured their victory in the first leg and managed to defend it at home.
Under 3.5 Goals
The betting experts at bet365 have Arsenal tipped as slight favourites to secure a win away from home and take an aggregate lead back to England. This is hardly surprising given both teams’ current forms, but it’s worth noting that Madrid edged out the Gunners 1-0 in their last encounter at home back in 2018 during the Europa League. These teams have clashed three times, with each claiming a victory and one game ending in a draw.
Much has changed for both clubs since that closely contested match eight years ago, but I anticipate another low-scoring encounter. Opting for under 3.5 goals could have benefited your betting balance in Arsenal’s two matches against Sporting and during their Round of 16 clash with Leverkusen. The locals also fell 2-1 when hosting Barcelona in the quarter-finals. For Thursday morning’s fixture, you’ll want it to conclude below four goals.
I suggest wagering on under 3.5 goals when Atletico Madrid face Arsenal; it’s a solid bet for your midweek multiples. If you’re looking for odds that offer greater potential, consider this: Arsenal won their last away fixture in Lisbon 1-0 and kept a clean sheet in their 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16. You can back Arsenal to win to nil at an attractive price of $4 on bet365. That’s certainly a worthwhile option.
Tip: Under 3.5 goals @ $1.25 (bet365)
Bet explanation: The outcome of the winning team is irrelevant here. Your bet wins if Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal finishes with a total of fewer than four goals scored by both teams.
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The odds mentioned are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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