The Champions League semi finals always entertain

Despite Florentino Perez’s claims that football is losing its audience and that people are no longer interested in watching long, boring football matches, the Champions League semi finals are here and we can’t wait for kick off.

Europe’s finest four, which include three teams who wanted to break away into the European Super League bid for the crown and the match ups are brilliant. On Tuesday night Real Madrid welcome Chelsea, while PSG take on Manchester City – in a clash involving two teams who are desperate for a maiden European trophy.

UCL outright odds

The current favourites are Manchester City – 5/4 or 2.25

PSG – 11/4 or 3.75

Real Madrid – 15/4 or 4.75
Chelsea – 4/1 or 5.00

Counter attacking football in France

Manchester City have been gorgeously good this season and last Sunday added their fourth League Cup trophy on the trot to their growing cabinet. Pep Guardiola’s record in cup finals is insanely good. He’s won 14 of his last 15 finals, with a 93% win rate over all. With him in charge, it’s clear to see why Manchester City are the outright favourites to win the Champions League.

Standing in their way are a Paris Saint-Germain side who are putting all their energy in winning this trophy. They were losing finalists last year, but overcame previous nemesis Bayern Munich in the Quarter Finals. It felt like a giant stride for the French outfit, but Manchester City are a different outfit altogether this season.

The key for PSG will be their counter attacks. Pochettino’s system was a cautious, studious approach against Bayern Munich. They let Bayern have most of the ball, timing their off-ball movements to perfection. Bayern Munich were startled by an away goal on the two minute mark and Neymar’s overall play was outstanding. Pochettino’s got his team’s game management nailed down to perfection and that is what is necessary in a two legged affair. Another special performance from Neymar is required and if they can get goals from their centre backs again, keeping a clean sheet will be tough for Man City. Marquinos’ goal against Bayern Munich was something for the purist. A sublime ball from a deep lying Neymar found his captain free in the box, and a finish any forward would be proud of was a determined nail in Bayern’s coffin.

PSG are one point away from Ligue 1 leaders Lille, but you can’t gauge performances in the French League against European nights, as you’d imagine City to pose much more of a threat than the likes of Metz.

If the Quarter Finals are anything to go by, then we can’t see a dull game ahead of us. We’re hoping both teams will score, but those PSG counter attacks may be too hot to handle. Despite being the home side, PSG have no choice but to revert to counter attacks against a team that love possession and know how to move the ball swiftly from defence to attack. If anything, playing Bayern Munich in the quarters was the perfect preparation for this semi final match up. 

Correct score: PSG 2-1 Manchester City is priced at 19/2 or 10.5 which tees us up for a wonderful second leg due to that potential away goal.  

Chelsea’s consistency v Real’s randomness 

Domestically we just can’t put our fingers on Real Madrid. They keep dropping points when least expected, failing to find that killer instinct when required. In Europe, we know they are a different animal and seem to find some fire from deep within them.

They face a Chelsea side who are consistent, organised and looking ever so calm under Thomas Tuchel. He’s only tasted defeat once as Chelsea manager and has dragged Chelsea from ninth place to fourth in the Premier League.

He seems to have fit into this team perfectly. Chelsea are playing good football, the players are confident and importantly happy. The difference between Frank Lampard’s Chelsea and Tuchel’s is extreme. He’s even getting the best out of Timo Werner, who looked so lost in his early days at the Bridge.

With an experienced, seasoned manager in charge, Chelsea are capable of anything and can take advantage of Real Madrid’s inconsistencies. The Blues control games better and we can’t really judge Real’s performance against Liverpool as their opposition was so poor over the two legs.

Chelsea might be the underdogs here, but we’re backing them to make the final. Yes, Real Madrid can turn on the style and hurt them, however there is a chilling calmness around Chelsea that can help them glide to the final.

It’s a case of inconsistency v consistency and the fact that the second leg is in London might suit Chelsea more. 

The first leg might end in a 1-1 draw, priced at 5/1 or 6.00 but Chelsea can turn it around in London with the away goal advantage. 

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