Schalke 04 v Real Madrid 1x2 - Champions League

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Schalke 04 v Real Madrid 1x2 - Champions League Champions League Uefa, International	26/02/2014 20:45	full time result	X	5.00	Bet at B
Betting prediction was written by Ronny

Schalke 04 has improved their defense rather dramatically. They are now unbeaten in five matches, and they’ve only let in two goals in that interval. Influential Benedikt Howedes could return in the center of defense. Kyriakos Papadopoulos is also back in defense. The young Greek has been out for a very long time and is eased back though. I doubt you’ll see both of them on the pitch here. Going forward I still think Schalke has a lot to offer. They have plenty of players who carries a goal threat. Huntelaar, Farfan, Szalai, Boateng, Meyer and Draxler are all really good offensive players.

Schalke has been decent at home in the Champions League so far. At home they’ve beaten both Steaua Bucuresti and Basel with two plus goals and to nil. They did however lose 0-3 to Chelsea.

Real Madrid is three points clear on top domestically. There is absolutely nothing wrong with their form! This side has ambitions with skill to match. I do not see much need to go into detail on the subject. The might of Madrid is known to anyone who has ever placed a bet.

Real Madrid has had real trouble when playing German teams in Germany though. Since and including 2012 Real Madrid has played Dortmund and lost twice, and also lost once against Bayern Munich. Schalke is not at the same level as the aforementioned two, but nevertheless it is worth keeping in the back of one’s mind.

Real Madrid still has Sami Khedira sitting out. Other than that the squad is fit.

Run of play

I think Real Madrid will have most of the ball, but with the lineup Schalke has they should get plenty of chances to counter. They also got players who can convert chances to goals.

1x2 betting tip

I understand the bookmakers are wary of the away win. I do understand many will pile on Real Madrid here without giving the odds on offer; around 1.45 any thought at all. Do not fall for it! Real Madrid must be the favorite here, but that price indicates there must be at least 68.97% chance of victory. Real Madrid is good, but not that good!

Keep in mind that Schalke has fixed the leakage at the back. They have on many occasions shown they can play good football too. When one factor in the recent results Real Madrid has had in Germany I am really put off by the aforementioned odds.

I much rather go for the draw. It is currently priced at 5.00 by Bet365. As kick off approaches it might even be available at a higher price as the leisure punters go berserk on Real Madrid and the risk barometer at the trading desk is hitting max.

I take the draw over the home win because I think Real Madrid has enough in them to keep the game in balance, never letting it getting out of their hands.

I also think Schalke 04 will have good chances to get back into it should Real Madrid go one up and decide to park the bus. Such a scenario will still be acceptable to Real Madrid. They would still be in excellent position to progress.

If you agree with my thoughts, click here to take 5.00 now.

• Bet now at B

Predictions from same league and same tipster

	Match	Date	Selection	Odds	Stake	Bookmaker	Bet now
No predictions for same leauge and same user.

Predictions from different leagues and same tipster

	Match	Date	Selection	Odds	Stake	Bookmaker	Bet now
No predictions for same user and different league.