Champions League Semi-Finals in May
Australia’s soccer fans keeping an eye on the English Premier League and UEFA’s Champions League and Europa League have a busy few weeks ahead of them. The 2017 Champions League, in particular, is attracting a lot of punters, half-way through the quarter-finals.
However, it won’t be until the semi-finals second legs, to be played on 9-10 May, that the finalists in this year’s UEFA Champions League are decided. The first leg of the quarter-finals left a few teams on the back foot, so the second leg of the quarter-finals next week and the first leg of the semis on 2-3 of May could prove interesting.
Barca Need another Miraculous Comeback
Tuesday’s match between giants Juventus and Barcelona in Turin was probably the most anticipated of the quarter-finals, and it also provided the biggest score deficit. Playing confidently in front of their home crowd, Juventus were 2-0 up at half time, thanks to two goals from Argentinian jewel Paulo Dybala.
In the second half, a superb header from defender Giorgio Chiellini added another goal, putting Juventus 3-0 up at full time. For Barcelona fans, it was a repeat of the disastrous first leg of the Round of 16, which saw Barca finish four goals down to PSG.
However, the second leg of the Round of 16 allowed the Spanish team to make an historic comeback; the first time a side has ever come back from a four-goal deficit in the knockout rounds to go through. They’ve proved they can do it once, so the faithful will be hoping for a repeat miracle at Camp Nou next Wednesday.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Monaco Ahead
Apart from Barca taking on a Herculean task, Tuesday and Wednesday’s second legs of the QFs will see Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Monaco fighting to hold their leads. Last Wednesday’s first legs in Germany saw Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich 2-1 and Monaco beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2.
Atletico Madrid were at home to Leicester City, and beat them 1-0, so it looks like the English side may reach the end of their tournament this Tuesday. The Bayern-Real rematch in Madrid is likely to be the more thrilling game on Tuesday, however. The Munich team is still top-quality, so they will be fighting just as hard as Barcelona to make up the deficit.
More About Cameron Hollands
After working part time in one of Australia’s finest casinos to fund his journalism studies, Cameron Hollands discovered a passion for sports betting. A few years and many successful bets later, he is now putting his considerable experience to good use, and is a regular contributor for australiansportsbetting.net.
Cameron’s expert advice, insight into the sporting world and straightforward reporting style has earned him many fans, and he enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow punters.
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