Predictions for the Champions League matches on April 7-8
This preview compiles predictions for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final matches. You can find all football predictions in the football section, and a full list of predictions for the main European club competition on the Champions League Predictions page. This week, we are in for the first legs of the quarter-finals, each of which promises to be highly intriguing. Even in Lisbon, things are not as straightforward as they might seem at first glance. Let's discuss all four games in more detail below!
Sporting Lisbon – Arsenal
At first glance, this appears to be the most predictable quarter-final pairing. But is it fair to make such an assessment? Arsenal won the group stage of the Champions League but is currently experiencing a slump, having lost the chance to win two trophies in the past couple of weeks. Moreover, in the Round of 16, the "Gunners" faced serious difficulties in their away match against Bayer Leverkusen (1:1). Sporting, on the other hand, was defeated away by Bodø/Glimt (0:3), and many were quick to write off the team, but at home, Rui Borges gave a coaching masterclass, leading his team to a 5:0 victory over the Norwegian sensation after 120 minutes.
The "Lions" have won their last three matches with a total score of 13:3 and boast a 17-game winning streak at "José Alvalade"! They have no significant squad losses, so Mikel Arteta's team will not have an easy time in Portugal. We do not rule out a Sporting victory, but we will make a more cautious bet – on the hosts to score. The "Green and Whites" have scored in 24 consecutive home games, as well as in 9 of their last 10 Champions League matches.
Match Links:
Sporting Lisbon – Arsenal Match Prediction
Bet: Sporting to score
Real Madrid – Bayern Munich
Here is the main highlight of Tuesday, and arguably the entire quarter-final stage! A crisis-hit Real Madrid will face a monstrous Bayern Munich, who have been sweeping everyone aside and scored ten goals against Atalanta (6:1; 4:1) in the Round of 16. The Opta supercomputer estimates Bayern's chances of reaching the semi-finals at 64.51%. However, no one believed in the Madrid team in the previous stage either, and they, in turn, left no chance for Manchester City (3:0; 2:1). It's true that City also had issues, whereas Vincent Kompany's machine shows almost no weaknesses.
However, one cannot underestimate the "Santiago Bernabeu" factor. Bayern has lost 6 out of their last 7 matches here in the Champions League, which is why the Munich team is understandably concerned about the closed roof. The atmosphere in the stadium will be incredible! Vincent Kompany's team plays their own game regardless of the circumstances and against any opponent, so in some ways, this match might even be easier for Real than the recent one against Mallorca (1:2). Considering that "Los Blancos" have won 10 of their last 11 home games, we can expect the intrigue to remain until the return leg in Germany.
Match Links:
Prediction for Real Madrid – Bayern Munich
Bet: Real Madrid will not lose
Barcelona – Atletico Madrid
This season, the teams have faced each other in all major tournaments. They met twice in the semifinals of the Spanish Cup, where a significant home victory was enough for the "Colchoneros" to reach the final. In the league, the Catalan club defeated the Madrid team both times. Moreover, Hansi Flick's side did this quite recently – in the 30th round of La Liga last weekend, and it was an away game (2:1).
The "Blaugrana" approach the first leg of the quarterfinals on a nine-game unbeaten streak, eight of which ended in victories. Barcelona is currently in first place in La Liga, holding a comfortable seven-point lead over Real. Atletico, on the other hand, is experiencing a slump: three consecutive losses and a consequent drop out of the top three – the "Colchoneros" have fallen behind Villarreal. Everything points to Barcelona taking this game. Current form, mentality, psychological state, and the home-field advantage – literally everything is in favor of the Catalan club right now.
Match Links:
Prediction for Barcelona – Atletico Madrid
Bet: Barcelona to win
PSG – Liverpool
Everyone remembers how the clash between these teams ended last season: the Merseysiders, who won the group stage, were knocked out by the Parisians, who started the playoffs from the knockout stage, in the Round of 16. In the first game at "Parc des Princes", Liverpool managed to secure a narrow victory (1:0), playing defensively throughout the match. How it all ended is well known.
The "Reds" are nowhere near the main contenders for winning the Champions League and certainly do not appear as favorites in the battle for a spot in the semifinals. Arne Slot's squad has lost four out of their last five away matches. PSG, on the other hand, is in excellent form: Luis Enrique's team confidently dealt with Chelsea in both legs of the Round of 16 (5:2, 3:0) and continues to lead in Ligue 1. There is a sense that the Parisians are capable of repeating last season's scenario, during the second half of which they virtually overlooked their opponents. In any case, we see almost no chances for Liverpool in the French capital. If you share this opinion, check out the bookmaker rating and place your bet!
Match Links:
Prediction for PSG – Liverpool
Bet: PSG to win
Conclusion
Exciting matches lie ahead, and we have shared our expectations with you. However, this is just a superficial analysis in the form of a preview. Remember, you can explore much more detailed predictions for each game, where there will be more details and betting options!
