After two sub-par semi-final first legs last week, the Champions League reconvenes with both games intriguingly balanced as two sides look to protect their leads while their opposition know they have nothing to lose.
Tuesday’s match sees old enemies Real Madrid and Barcelona meet in their fourth ‘el Clasico’ match in two weeks, with Madrid looking to the claw back the two-goal deficit they suffered in the first leg at the Bernabeu.However, they have tasted victory against their great rivals in the last few weeks, securing their first trophy in three years with victory in the Copa Del Rey (Real 4/1 to win at the Nou Camp).
Jose Mourinho has traditionally set his teams up to defend against Barca but knows he will have to set his side up as an attacking force if they’re to progress to the final. This could make for a thrilling encounter with both sides playing with freedom and we could see a true classic.
Josep Guardiola’s side only know one way to play and, despite being two goals up, are unlikely to sit on their lead and will not be shy in taking the game to the Madridistas. Barca are undoubtedly the best footballing team in Europe with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta in their side and if Madrid do open up, they could simply pass it round them (Barca 8/15 to win the competition).
Whatever the outcome, it is sure to make for a fascinating encounter and could be talked about for years to come.
The second semi sees this year’s surprise package, German side Schalke, travel to Old Trafford to face 2008 Champions Manchester United knowing that they’ll need at least a two-goal victory if they’re to progress.
Die Konigsblauen have thrilled fans in this year’s competition with their free-flowing, exciting football with veteran Spanish striker Raul at the heartbeat of everything they do. Add this to the threat of wideman Jurado and the Brazilian Edu and they have the ability to trouble anyone.
United will have to be wary of the threat Schalke pose but, after a tame first leg, could possibly look to rest key players ahead of a difficult match with Chelsea next weekend, which could present the Germans with a number of unexpected opportunities (Schalke 14/1 to qualify for the final).
However, with the likes of Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia looking to return to the side, they will surely have enough to overcome their opponents and qualify for their third final in four years (United 6/4 to win the competition).
Whatever the outcome, both matches will undoubtedly be well worth watching and whoever gets through will be more than worth their place after another vintage Champions League season.
Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.