The Champions League is reaching a pivotal stage, as just eight teams remain. In just over seven days time, we will know the four sides that will be competing at the semi-final stage of the competition this season, and the all-important first legs in the quarterfinals could go a long way in helping us determine the sides that will reach that stage.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid Odds, Preview & Pick
| Chelsea | +100 |
| Draw | +240 |
| Real Madrid | +280 |
The tie that jumps up off the page in the quarterfinals of the Champions League this season is Chelsea vs Real Madrid. Chelsea will have home advantage for the first leg, as the two sides square off in the competition for the second straight season. The Blues overcame the Spanish giants in the Champions League last season on their way to winning their second title.
They will be looking to make history this season, as they could become the first English side to knock out Madrid in successive seasons. However, the recent record between the sides will give Chelsea a lot of confidence, as Real have gone five without victory against the reigning European champions.
Chelsea also have a very impressive record against Spanish teams, as they are unbeaten in their previous eight fixtures. During that run, they have won four and drawn four, with their last defeat coming against Valencia in September 2019. Real Madrid are winless on their last five trips to England, with their most recent success coming in the 2014-15 season, as they beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield. The trends certainly point towards a Chelsea win in this first leg.
Free Pick:
- Chelsea (+100)
Villarreal vs Bayern Munich Odds, Preview & Pick
| Villarreal | +450 |
| Draw | +320 |
| Bayern Munich | -175 |
The other tie taking place on Wednesday will see Villarreal looking to take an advantage back to Germany against Bayern Munich. This could be one of the most daunting tasks for the Spanish side, as Bayern have looked stronger and stronger as the Champions League has progressed this season.
The two sides last met in the Champions League in the 2011-12 season, with Bayern winning both home and away by two clear goals. Bayern also come into this fixture having gone four away games against Spanish opposition without defeat. Their most recent visit to Spain came in the group stage, as they overcame Barcelona, winning 3-0 at the Nou Camp.
It will be a famous night for Villarreal, as they play at this stage of the Champions League for the first time since 2009. However, they were beaten on that occasion, and have won just once in six appearances at this stage of the Champions League or later.
Bayern have an excellent record when playing away from home in the first leg, as they have won three times and drawn twice. Their only defeat came against Atletico Madrid in the 2015-16 season. However, we struggle to see history repeating itself, and expect Bayern to take a healthy advantage back to the Allianz Arena.
Free Pick:
- Bayern Munich (-175)
