Liverpool v Real Madrid – UCL Betting Preview

 

 

Liverpool Summary

Liverpool’s mood and form are slowly but surely turning around and it comes at the perfect time. They are back on course for 4th place in the EPL and come into the UEFA competition with huge belief they can beat Real Madrid.

It was not long ago that Klopp’s team was stuck in midtable and losing 3-0 to the likes of Brighton and Wolverhampton.

Since the derby victory around a week ago however, the dynamics seem to be changing for the better. They added to that Everton win with a superbly impressive win over Newcastle away this weekend.

Spirits are on the rise but in terms of motivation, it is difficult to think that the English will not have an edge here, especially in the home leg.

Manager Jürgen Klopp will be keen to send out a side that can outbattle Real Madrid and get the team ideally, two goals ahead.

Liverpool does not want to go to the Spanish capital needing a win and so there is real pressure on them to get the first-leg advantage.

There is a massive boost on the injury list with Van Dijk and Konate in contention. The latter is a small doubt but the influential Dutch centre-back is expected to begin.

Darwin Nunes has a shoulder concern but is also expected to play.

Firmino and Diego Jota are match sharp and so the host all of a sudden with almost all key men back, Liverpool look a real force again both domestically and in Europe.

 

Real Madrid Summary

Real Madrid comes into the game fully focused and determined to repeat the success of last season’s final in Paris against the same opponent, Liverpool.

They are aware that the English club will be gunning for revenge and are prepared and expecting a seriously hostile and vocal Anfield on Tuesday evening.

Domestically Real Madrid is not enjoying the season but there was some light at the end of the tunnel with a much-needed away win against Osasuna on the weekend. They achieved a professional and hard-fought win without risking some key men, who all are set to return for the first leg in England.

Ancelotti would be perfectly happy with a draw from this match but they will try to sneak a victory initially. Their aim is to score first but they want to be physical and solid.

The boss pointed to the right attitude and bravery that was on display in a difficult Pamplona venue on the weekend. However, this will be the next level up in terms of pressure and atmosphere.

Real Madrid trained on Monday evening in Anfield and the team news makes for good reading for the Spanish, with Benzema back well-rested from the weekend, along with Kroos and Tchouaméni. The only absences are Mendy and Mariano, neither important.

 

Betting Analysis

Looking at the 1×2 market first. Liverpool is likely to be extra motivated as they feel they seriously ‘owe’ Real Madrid a severe blow having lost consecutive UCL finals against them. Liverpool is a favourite @ 2.30. Real Madrid is not respected much in the market due to Liverpool’s home advantage. The Spanish could look a big price, Madrid is @ 3.00 and if they hold their nerve and don’t concede early, they could sneak a first-leg victory. The draw is @ 3.60.

Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Liverpool is giving away a small -0.25 start @ 2.00 which looks fair. Real Madrid is +0.25 @ 1.87. I’d be keen to see if Madrid can ride an early onslaught, and then actively be looking to bet them with the draw onside. That first 20 minutes or so however will be extremely tough for them and conceding early would not be a surprise.

Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all which is set at 2.75. Over is @ 1.87 and the Under is @ 1.95, no preference here. Liverpool will try to get one goal up and then seek a second, but with less risk-taking. If they get to 2-0 they will then sit back.