UCL Semifinals – Tips and Previews
Internazionale vs. AC Milan
5am, Wednesday
Inter Milan is just 90 minutes away from a berth in their first Champions League Final since 2009-10 if they can stave off their Serie A rivals in the second leg of their semi-final.
Inter made it three wins against Milan in different competitions this season when they took out the first leg 2-0, adding to their victories in Serie A and Italian Super. Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were the stars of the show for Inter, with goals in the 8th and 11th minutes.
History is certainly on the side of Simone Inzaghi’s team, with Barcelona (2018-19 vs Liverpool) the only side that has won the opening leg of a semi-final by two or more goals failing to progress.
Inter’s chances only improve when considering that they’re on a seven-game winning streak, while Milan has triumphed in just one of their last five.
The market has come for Inter at $1.91, and we’re of the opinion that it’s genuine value.
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
5am, Thursday
Etihad Stadium is set to ignite when Manchester City hosts Real Madrid in a blockbuster semi-final on Thursday.
The teams couldn’t be split in the first leg at Santiago Bernabéu, with goals from Vini Jr and Kevin De Bruyne resulting in a 1-all draw.
This time, however, City will benefit from a vocal home crowd and the enviable record of being unbeaten in their last 25 home games in the Champions League – 23 wins and two draws.
While Carlo Ancelotti’s players won their last two away games against English sides in the knockout stages, they’ve struggled at Etihad, with their previous two Champions League games at the venue ending in losses.
With Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez leading the charge for City, it’s hard to disagree with the market at $1.50.
