Predictions for the Champions League matches on April 14-15
This preview compiles predictions for the Champions League quarter-final matches. All football predictions can be found in the football section, and the full list of predictions for the main European cup is on the Champions League Predictions page. This week, we are looking forward to the second legs of the quarter-finals. Considering the results from a week ago, there aren't many intrigues left. However, since there were no blowouts, the possibility of at least one comeback remains. Let's analyze each match individually!
Atletico Madrid – Barcelona
This is the pair where the intrigue is definitely still alive! Barcelona unexpectedly lost to the "Colchoneros" at "Camp Nou" (0:2), but circumstances played too significant a role. First and foremost, of course, was Pau Cubarsi's foul, which resulted in a double punishment – the defender's dismissal and Julian Alvarez's goal from the free-kick. But the content of the game is more important than the score on the board. Even with a man down, Hansi Flick's team pinned the Madrid side in their third of the field, and Lamine Yamal dazzled, dribbling past 3-4 players. Barca didn't have many lethal chances, yet the xG metric fully reflects their dominance (1.42-0.7).
In the return leg, the key factor will be the game plan chosen by Diego Simeone. If it involves a low block, the Catalans' chances for a comeback will significantly increase. Opta's supercomputer estimates the visitors' probability of reaching the semi-finals at 20.39%, and our editorial team gives even more. Not long ago, the "Blaugrana" nearly pulled off a remontada in the Copa del Rey. Yes, the return leg was at home then, but Barcelona also lost the first leg by a much larger margin. Considering Atletico's serious personnel issues in central defense (Marc Pubill, Jose Gimenez, and Dávid Hancko are out), we believe in the success of Hansi Flick's squad, who simply play better football.
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Match Prediction: Atletico Madrid – Barcelona
Bet: Barcelona to win
Liverpool – PSG
At "Anfield," it seems the intrigue is almost dead. Paris's superiority was too significant a week ago. It felt like teams from different weight classes were playing against each other. Indeed, that's probably how it was. Luis Enrique's protégés left Liverpool with no chances, and only their own wastefulness prevented them from achieving a blowout. Arne Slot tried to contain the opponent by switching to a five-defender formation, but ultimately did not solve the defensive issues, and the "Reds" themselves only managed an xG of 0.26 – one of the worst figures under the Dutch specialist.
Of course, at home, Liverpool always has a chance, especially after an emotionally significant victory over Fulham (2:0). Yet, even in the game against the "Cottagers," the Scousers looked vulnerable. PSG, with their phenomenal individual skills, will not repeatedly forgive mistakes. Ligue 1 has also kindly rescheduled the "Red and Blues" match, allowing them to prepare for the trip to "Anfield" within a weekly cycle. The visitors have no significant losses, except for Fabian Ruiz, and Bradley Barcola should be ready to strengthen the game from the bench. The fate of the visitors is in their own hands.
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Match Prediction: Liverpool – PSG
Bet: PSG will not lose
Arsenal – Sporting
Arsenal, in their usual manner, is showing a decline at the decisive stage of the season – three defeats in the last four matches. The only victory during this period was in an away game against Sporting at "José Alvalade." In that match, substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz secured a crucial result for the Londoners. Special mention should be made of David Raya's excellent performance, who made five saves and was deservedly named the best player of the match. Sporting looked respectable and perhaps did not deserve to lose, but a loss of concentration at key moments and Arsenal's higher class of players played a decisive role.
It seemed that this victory would become a starting point for the London club to emerge from the crisis, but on Saturday, Arsenal lost to Bournemouth (1:2) at the "Emirates" in the Premier League, and the defeat seemed quite justified. Sporting, on the other hand, continues to fight for the championship in Portugal and in the last round defeated Estrela away (1:0). Currently, the gap from Porto is five points with five rounds to go, and Lisbon has a game in hand. According to Opta, Arsenal remains the main favorite for the Champions League (36.3%). Considering that the quarter-final opponent is considered the most passable among the remaining, Arteta's team should not make another slip-up at the "Emirates." Don't make slip-ups yourself by choosing only the best bookmakers!
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Bet: Arsenal to win
Bayern – Real Madrid
Bayern, according to Opta, is the second contender to win the tournament – 28.9%. Kompany's squad is unstoppable – the victory at the "Santiago Bernabéu" was incredibly important ahead of the return meetings in Munich. Dias and Kane were outstanding up front and both scored goals, while Manuel Neuer made a significant contribution with his goal-line play, making 9 saves, earning him the title of the best player of the match. However, Mbappe managed to narrow the score gap, giving the "Los Blancos" a slim chance to advance to the semifinals. The chance is slim because Real has been struggling all season, and Alvaro Arbeloa has not proven to be the specialist capable of managing the stars: the "royal club" has not won in three consecutive matches.
In addition to the setback against Bayern, Real managed to lose to Mallorca (1:2) and dropped points against Girona (1:1). Now, the "Los Blancos" are trailing Barcelona by 9 points with 7 rounds remaining, and their chances of winning the championship are extremely slim. Unlike Real, Bayern should only be spoken of in positive terms. The Munich club is on the verge of becoming the German champion: on Saturday, Kompany's team demolished St. Pauli away (5:0), allowing some key players to rest. The current Bayern at the "Allianz Arena" is too much for this Real to handle, especially considering Courtois is out due to injury, and Tchouameni will miss the match due to suspension.
Match link:
Bet: Bayern to win
Conclusion
No matter the issues Arsenal faces, they should be able to handle Sporting at home with their class. Bayern and PSG significantly outclass their opponents in terms of gameplay quality, so we don't see much intrigue in these matchups either. However, there's plenty of it in Madrid! Atletico is focusing on the Champions League, having played with a noticeably second-string lineup in the last La Liga round. Barcelona couldn't afford such a luxury in the derby against Espanyol (4:1), but they did make a slight rotation and will arrive at the "Metropolitano" aiming for a comeback. Even without Raphinha, the Catalans have a chance. Be sure to watch the match and don't forget that you can check out detailed predictions for each quarter-final game!
