Revenge and redemption to fuel Liverpool’s charge

The scene is set for the ultimate revenge mission as Liverpool and Real Madrid were paired in the Champions League quarter finals. This tie has all the makings of a classic, with both sides in decent form, hot recent history, individual battles… and well we know nothing beats the Champions League knockout phase.

Domestically both sides are looking to redeem their seasons. Real Madrid are hot on the heels of city rivals Atletico Madrid who’s early consistency has deserted them. Liverpool are making up for lost time as they make a final push for a coveted top four spot.

Indeed, Los Blancos are undefeated in their last 11 games. They are coming into this game feeling bullish. They dismantled Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final and have not lost against the Reds in the last three clashes. Real have found comforts in their make-shift new home Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano and are without a defeat in their last six.

Liverpool, whose injury crises and terrible patch of form earned them the moniker of bad champions are starting to find their groove at last. They looked like their old selves as they crushed Arsenal 3-0 on Saturday with Trent Alexander Arnold proving a point to Gareth Southgate with a more typical attacking-minded display. If anything the England snub might be the kick he needed. 

These Champions League heavyweights think they know the script. Real Madrid, this competition’s most successful team, always thrive in Europe, while Liverpool this season found comfort in Europe once again. The first legs are always more chess-like with more emphasis often falling on the return legs, but the fact that the first encounter is in Spain might give Liverpool an edge. A score-draw would suit them and since they have hit the sweet spot at exactly the right time we’re backing them to clinch a positive result.

You can never, however, write off Zidane’s men. Benzema’s 18 goals in 25 La Liga games betters Salah’s 18 in 29 and we’re really going to enjoy watching two out-and-out strikers on the top of their games. There’s something raw about watching those type of players under the lights of a European night, and if anything, we can’t see them not scoring.

Back Benzema to score the game’s first goal at 19/4 or 5.75

And get Salah to score at any time at 11/8 or 2.38

Our prediction is based on the fact that both teams love attacking football. We’re going for a score draw, 1-1 at 11/2 or 6.5

Haaland to tease suitors

Tuesday night also sees quadruple-hunters Manchester City take on Borussia Dortmund, and the one to watch there is Erling Braut Haaland. Are we going to witness something special as the Norweigian faces one of his suitors? His father did of course play for City, so keep any eye out for a busy summer of transfer rumours. He’s priced at 7/1 or 8.00 to score first at the Etihad. With Kun Aguero being rewarded with a statue outside the stadium as he leaves City in the summer, Haaland will be keen to impress with a whole list of clubs interested in securing his services. He would be the ideal man to fill the void left by Aguero, as both have a similar style with a deadly eye for goal. Like in the Real v Liverpool clash, we have a chance to savour hot number 9s once again.

Wednesday’s contrasts

Wednesday night’s entertainment is a repeat of last year’s final with PSG heading to Bayern Munich as Chelsea take on giant-killers Porto. We expect goals to fly in Germany with over 3.5 goals priced at 7/5 or 2.4. 

Thomas Tuchel tasted defeat for the first time as Chelsea manager in the shock 5-2 home defeat to West Brom and with Porto being so unpredictable in Europe the Blues will need to be smart. A goalless draw in Portugal is yours at 15/2 or 8.5.