Champions League semi-final time is upon us.
One of the great periods in any European season, this year’s contests should provide the typically high levels of footballing entertainment.
Holders Paris Saint-Germain face a seemingly unstoppable Bayern Munich juggernaut in a tie which could be goal-filled.
Then we will see Atletico Madrid take on the Premier League’s final representative in Arsenal, a battle between two sides who have never won this famous competition.
The victor from each tie will book a ticket to next month’s final in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
But thoughts of stepping out at the Puskas Arena cannot be creeping into the mind at such an early stage, so all focus will be on this week’s semi-final first legs.
And below, we have picked out a couple of sports betting tips for each of the two matches on the schedule, Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal.
Also, do not forget that all the latest and best Champions League odds are available right now on NetBet Sport, with so many different markets to choose from.
*All odds are subject to change
Paris Saint-Germain (2.25) vs Bayern Munich (2.72)
Anytime goalscorer – Harry Kane @ 2.10
Backing Kane to score in any match – whether playing for Bayern or England – feels like a no-brainer at this point. The striker has netted 12 times in 11 Champions League appearances this season, and sits on 33 goals from just 28 Bundesliga matches. The numbers are quite simply ridiculous, and Kane’s goal at the Bernabeu vs Real Madrid in the last round highlighted once again the ability to land a decisive blow in a huge away game. Can he repeat the feat here? We certainly think so!
First half total goals – Over 1.5 @ 1.85
Playing on the front foot is the way both of these sides operate, and even with the extra pressure of a Champions League semi-final, expect no difference from the first whistle in Paris. As such, the first half could provide us with end-to-end drama – so backing at least two goals in the opening 45 minutes could be the over/under route to go down here.
Atletico Madrid (2.69) vs Arsenal (2.57)
Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.84
The days of Atletico being monsters in defence are effectively over. Diego Simeone’s side is completely different these days, with clean sheets now something of a rarity. In fact, Atletico have kept just one in the last nine matches across all competitions. But the La Liga side also scored two or more goals in seven of those games, so the BTTS market could be a gold mine here. Arsenal have scored in all but one of their Champions League matches this season, with the BTTS pick landing in two of the Gunners’ last three away games in Europe.
Player to score or assist – Bukayo Saka @ 2.38
Saka returned from injury late on in the 1-0 weekend win over Newcastle – and instantly showed supporters what the team has been missing of late. Composed in possession and decisive in the final third, the Gunners’ attack looked far more threatening with the winger back in action. Saka is all set to start in Madrid, and if the Emirates cameo is anything to go by, a goal contribution vs a surprisingly porous Atletico back-line – which has conceded 11 times in the previous five matches – looks firmly on the cards.
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