Real Madrid V Juventus Live – Who Will Win Crucial Champions League Semi?

Real Madrid V Juventus
Wednesday 13th May. 7:45PM. Sky Sports 1

Following Juve’s 2-1 win in turin last week, Wednesday’s mouth-watering clash at the Bernabeu hangs in the balance as the Italians battle Real Madrid for a place in this year’s Champions League final.

With just 90 minutes separating the two sides from a June 6th date in Berlin, there’s bound to be plenty of drama in the Spanish capital.

Prepare yourselves for a classic.

Madrid To Show Their Real Credentials

[quote_right]None of Real Madrid’s last 11 home CL games against an Italian side has ended in a draw (W7, L4)[/quote_right]A 2-1 defeat in Italy might be disappointing but it leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s men in a pretty solid position as they look to progress to a second successive final. The holders are looking to become the first club to retain the European Cup during its Champions League era and could set up an el Clasico final by overturning this semi-final deficit.

Over the past couple of months we’ve seen the Blancos struggle to replicate their late 2014 form but the Madristas will still firmly fancy their chances of progressing. Despite a couple of notable injuries, the star-studded squad should be able to cope and in Cristiano Ronaldo they still have a talisman capable of winning this semi-final second leg on his own.

Breaking down Italian sides is a notoriously difficult task but Real Madrid are one of the strongest attacking sides in world football and should find the target, especially at the Bernabeu. Their main problems, though, may come defensively and they must avoid conceding first as a two-goal advantage could make Juventus almost impregnable.

Real are down, but they’re certainly not out. Can Ancelotti’s men pull out something special?

[quote_center]Bet just £5 tonight and get £20 free at Coral bookmakers[/quote_center]

The Old Lady Is Halfway To Berlin

[quote_right]The Old Lady has only won twice in their last 20 trips to a Spanish side in European competition (D4, L14).[/quote_right]Following the semi-final draw, Massiiliano Allegri’s game plan would have been simple: win the home leg and avoid defeat in Spain. Juventus have successfully negotiated that first task and are now just 90 minutes from the final.

The Italians have a lead to protect and will naturally look to frustrate the defending champions. However, in the likes of Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and co, the Old Lady certainly boasts enough talent to cause the hosts some problems in the final third. Considering Real Madrid do have an away goal to their name, Juve’s attacking prowess could be pivotal.

Another potentially key factor of this clash will be Allegri’s decision on whether to risk influential midfielder Paul Pogba. The Frenchman’s talent has never been in question but rushing him back for such a massive fixture could either be a stroke of genius or turn out to be Juve’s downfall. If he does start it could have a huge say on proceedings, one way or the other.

Juventus have exceeded all expectations and it’s great for the whole of Italian football to have a Serie A side sitting so close to the final. They might even go all the way, but they must first put in one hell of a shift in Madrid.
No matter what, it should be an intriguing battle.

Real Madrid V Juventus Betting Tips

Quite predictably, Real Madrid are the odds-on favourites at 4/6 with Bet365. Juventus only need a draw (14/5) to qualify, though, or can alternatively be backed at 9/2.

Juventus are a great side but their lack of recent experience at this stage could be telling, especially against the defending champions.

Real Madrid aren’t perfect, but they do boast a fantastic history with the European Cup and have looked equally strong throughout this year’s competition. We’re backing the Blancos to book their place in the final.

[quote_center]Real Madrid to qualify @ 20/23 with Bet365[/quote_center]

Assuming the hosts do complete their road to Berlin, the most likely source of inspiration is undoubtedly their star man.

The Blancos No.7 has enjoyed another incredible season, surpassing the 50-goal mark with ease whilst he also remains in the hunt to win the Champions League’s golden boot yet again. He scored in Turin and, at 10/3, we’re backing him to break the deadlock here.

[quote_center]Cristiano Ronaldo to score first @ 10/3 with Coral[/quote_center]