Real Madrid v Bayern Munich predictions for 1x2

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich predictions for 1x2 Champions League Uefa, International	23/04/2014 20:45	full time result	Real	2.40	Bet at B
Betting prediction was written by Ronny

Two of Europe’s most successful teams will go toe to toe once again in this Champions League Semifinal played over two legs. They faced off in the Champions League Semifinal of 2011/2012 and Bayern Munich progressed after winning on penalties.

Form and other points to consider

Real Madrid is 5-0-1 in all competitions over the last six games with an 18-3 goal difference. Two of those goals against were let in away to Dortmund in a very nervy game, where Real Madrid was caught off-foot last Champions League match day.

I see no reason thought to question the Real Madrid form though. They just beat Barcelona in a thriller, winning the domestic up in the process. Some of the football on display (like the Gareth Bale winner) was simply top drawer stuff. Since then they’ve had a full week to prepare, and I am sure master tactician Carol Ancelotti has come up with plenty of good ideas on the drawing board.

Bayern Munich has had another fantastic season everything considered. Guardiola has continued the fine work of Jupp Heynckes. The Bavarians are now in the Final of the German Cup and are already winners of the Bundesliga.

After going unbeaten for 53 matches Bayern Munich hit a form dip. Even on the weekend when they beat Braunschweig 2-0 I thought they were far from impressive. With 64% possession they only managed to get three shots on target. That is just poor! Braunschweig actually gave Bayern Munich tough opposition for over an hour. Bayern Munich only managed to get going when their opponent ran out of steam late on.

One may argue a slight dip in form may not be such a big issue given the big picture. If one live in a Bell-Curve is king world where everything is scrutinized by tons of statistics, sure. You can be that way. I am very much in favor of stats myself, but one can really sense that the Bayern Munich no longer feels invincible! Going to the Bernabeu off top form is a tough ask for any team, even Bayern Munich.

In the Champions League Bayern Munich is 8-2-0 away from home in their last ten matches, and that piece of statistics is simply a tad more than impressive. However, last time around though I was not impressed with the performance at Old Trafford! For all their possession they did not produce much. Manchester United fully deserved the draw.

Run of Play

First some ponters: In the Spanish Cup final Real Madrid allowed Barcelona 67% possession. Last time they played Barca at home they allowed the Catalans 62%. At home against Dortmund in the Champions League Quarterfinal they themselves had 54%. I am sure Ancelotti is toying with the thought of going out an dominating against this "for the taking" Bayern Munich side. However, he also knows Bayern has been rather toothless as of late, and he must have seen against Manchester United that the Bavarians could be destroyed if the counter attacks are launched just right.

My main scenario is that Ancelotti will let Bayern Munich have most of the ball, then utilize the speed and mobility of his strike force: Ronaldo, Bale, Di Maria et cetera to pounce with speed.

Should Ancelotti still decide to go for a domination sort of game, and/or Guardiola himself wants to go for a more counter attacking game (God knows he has counter attacking talent available) I definitely think Real Madrid can achieve their goal tactically speaking at least.

Team News

Real Madrid should have Ronaldo fit for this tie. Long term absentees Khedira (Defensive midfielder) and Arbeloa (Full back) are still out.

Alcantara (Central Midfield), Shaqiri (Attacking Midfielder)and long term absentee Badstuber (Central Defender) is definitely out for Bayern Munich. Manuel Neuer (Goalkeeper) is a doubt. If he can’t play Bayern Munich II keeper Raeder will continue between the sticks as second choice keeper Starke is out as well. Another doubt is full back Alaba.

Betting tip

Bayern Munich may be a fantastic team on paper and for most of the season as well. However, the world beating aura has taken a few hits as of late. Over two legs the Bavarians may prevail, but Real Madrid is pure class, and they come in fresh after an el classico win. Real Madrid at home priced at 2.40 is just super odds. Bet365 is the provider. I definitely can’t keep my hands of that price.

If you agree with my predictions, you can click here to go to BET365 to take those odds before they’re gone.