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Real Madrid vs Man City predictions
- Vinicius Junior any time scorer - 9/4 at bet365
- Both teams to score in first half - 3/1 at BetVictor
- Dani Carvajal over 1.5 fouls - 7/4 at bet365
Manchester City's road to Champions League glory once again takes them to Madrid as the defending champions prepare to face Real in a blockbuster quarter-final first leg match on Tuesday (8pm TNT Sports 2).
Pep Guardiola’s team thumped Los Blancos 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals on their way to being crowned European champions last season, but Real Madrid appear stronger than they did 12 months ago. They also got the better of City in the 2021/22 edition of the Champions League.
This time around, Carlo Ancelotti’s team are top of LaLiga and have Jude Bellingham as a talisman. Could the England international end City’s hopes of retaining their Champions League crown?
Football betting sites don't rate Real's chances too highly, making City slight favourites to win the first leg. However, Real Madrid certainly have the quality to hold their own.
Vinicius to expose City’s defensive frailities
Manchester City could win a second successive treble this season and are favourites to win the Champions League on betting sites, but they have one weakness that has been exposed by opponents time and time again recently.
Indeed, City have been susceptible to fast breaks this season with almost 20 per cent of the total goals they have conceded in all competitions coming from counter-attacks.
This vulnerability could be exacerbated if Kyle Walker is sidelined for Tuesday’s match. The full-back missed Saturday’s away victory over Crystal Palace and will be assessed before the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Without Walker’s pace, City will find it difficult to keep up with Vinicius Junior who will do his best to get in behind. Even with Walker in the team, this will be a challenge.
Vinicius has scored six goals in his last four matches for Real Madrid and enters this Champions League quarter-final tie in scintillating form.
The way Ancelotti likes to play Vinicius and Rodrygo, who scored twice in his last outing, as split forwards could give City problems as they favour a back three shape in defensive transition.
You can find a 9/4 price in the Champions League odds for Vinicius to find the back of the net at any time, which we like for our first prediction.
Real Madrid vs Man City Tip 1: Vinicius Junior any time scorer - 9/4 at bet365
Attacking talent to make first leg a thrilling encounter
First legs of European ties can often be cagey affairs, but Madrid and City are both attacking teams by their nature. They will look to play on the front foot from the off and that could result in a thrilling encounter.
Madrid have conceded three goals in their last two Champions League matches at the Bernabeu and RB Leipzig could have scored more than once had they been more clinical.
Meanwhile, City haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their four last Champions League matches. Remarkably, they have yet to keep a single clean sheet away from home in the competition all season.
Vinicius is in exceptional form right now while Phil Foden netted a hat trick in his last game for Manchester City. Both attackers will pose a threat on Tuesday night.
This is without mentioning Erling Haaland, who has scored six goals in seven Champions League appearances this term, and Bellingham, who has four goals in six European games.
Betting apps price up both teams to score at 8/13, but there could be value in backing both teams to score before half time at 3/1 with BetVictor.
Real Madrid vs Man City Tip 2: Both teams to score in first half - 3/1 at BetVictor
Carvajal a liability for Real Madrid?
The full-back areas are expected to be key for both teams on Tuesday night. This could be where the match is won and lost.
City will have to find a way to stop Vinicius and Rodrygo from tearing them apart in the wide areas while Madrid will be up against the likes of Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish on the flank.
Grealish started against Crystal Palace on Saturday which suggests Doku will be given the nod from the off against Real Madrid. Either way, the pair will ask serious questions of their opponent.
That opponent is likely to be Dani Carvajal who is averaging 0.8 fouls per match this season. The Spaniard has a track record of diving into tackles and is a good bet to commit over 1.5 fouls against City.
Betting apps are offering low odds on Eduardo Camavinga and Rodri to commit fouls, but backing Carvajal to attract the attention of the referee could be the bet to take for this contest.
Real Madrid vs Man City Tip 3: Dani Carvajal over 1.5 fouls - 7/4 at bet365
Real Madrid vs Man City tips
Free bet offers for Real Madrid vs Man City
By signing up for gambling sites you can unlock free bet offers and more for wagering on Real Madrid vs Man City.
William Hill are currently offering new customers £30 in free bets for wagering on any sport, while they are also running an enhanced odds offer for Tuesday's game.
Customers can get Bellingham, Haaland & Foden to each have a shot on target at 3/1, boosted from 2/1. There's a maximum stake of £10 and the offer runs from 7pm BST up until kick-off.
That can be claimed after taking part in the William Hill sign up offer, where new customers who deposit and wager a minimum of £10 on a sportsbook selection with odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater can unlock £30 in free bets.
Make sure to check the terms and conditions of both William Hill's offers before placing a bet. Please bet responsibly.
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Last Updated: 9th April 2024, 04:16 PM
