Champions League
2013-04-24 - Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: European Champions League
Wednesday 24 April 2013 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Borussia Dortmund
Losing Mario Gotze to a rival will be a disappointment to the fans of Borussia Dortmund ahead of this Champions League Semi Final, particularly when Bayern Munich then crushed Barcelona 4-0 in their own Semi Final. It does make it seem that Borussia Dortmund could be in for a few seasons playing second fiddle to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, but they are looking for the fans to get behind the club in this one and perhaps get an all-German Final together for Wembley in May.
After winning back to back Bundesliga titles, the League has already gone the way of Bayern Munich this season. Borussia Dortmund, however, feel there is something special in the air when it comes to the Champions League and that was magnified after the 3-2 win over Malaga in the Quarter Final when Dortmund scored twice in injury time to move through to the Semi Final. Dortmund have now won all 5 home games in the Champions League this season.
Borussia Dortmund have been in good form recently as they are now unbeaten in their last 7 games in all competitions, winning 6 of those including the last 3 in a row. It has been even more impressive in front of their powerful home support as Dortmund have won 7 in a row here in all competitions and 11 of their last 12 with only the surprise 1-4 loss against Hamburg the exception in that run.
Robert Lewandowski, another player linked with a move away this Summer, is available after overcoming an injury. Sebastian Kehl and Sven Bender were not risked at the weekend but will be in the squad for this game.
Real Madrid
For the most successful team in the European Cup, not reaching a Final or winning this competition since 2002 has to really grate on Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho has led them to their third consecutive Semi Final now and knows his legacy at the club will be linked completely with whether he adds another Champions League to the trophy cabinet with it seemingly inevitable that the Portuguese manager will leave the Bernebeau this Summer.
After winning La Liga last season, it was clear fairly early on that the Champions League was the important trophy for Real Madrid this season. They are currently 13 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and while they do have a Copa Del Rey Final to play, exiting the Champions League at the Semi Final stage will make this an unsuccessful season. The side have actually struggled on their travels away from home in Europe this season, going 2-1-2 in their 5 away games in the Champions League.
Real Madrid have only lost 1 of their last 15 games in all competitions, that coming in in the last Round at Galatasaray when beaten 3-2 in Istanbul. They have won 5 of their last 7 away games in all competitions and Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 on their travels including at Manchester United and Galatasaray in their away ties in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Alvaro Arbeloa is suspended having been sent off in Turkey, while Angel Di Maria is out as he is with his wife who has just given birth. Luka Modric and Marcelo both picked up injuries and could be doubtful, while other players were rested at the weekend and will be brought back into the side.
Head to Head
Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid met in the Group Stage earlier this season and those games saw Dortmund win 2-1 here and draw 2-2 in Madrid.
Real Madrid had been unbeaten in their previous 2 visits to Dortmund before this season, although both of those games had ended in draws.
Prediction
This looks another fascinating tie in the Champions League Semi Finals and I do expect there will be goals in this game.
I can't separate the sides in the first leg and I think there is a real case for either winning. I was leaning towards Borussia Dortmund to win the first leg in a close game, but instead will just play the over 2.5 goals.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.73
