Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 53/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
With the first leg of this season’s Champions League quarter-finals officially in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the crucial second chapter for all eight clubs. A win here, or at the very least progression, means they’ll be just two games away from reaching the final in Paris. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what has the potential to be a fascinating encounter between Bayern Munich and Villarreal.
Bayern Munich
The first leg stumble seems to be something that Bayern Munich are becoming known for, which isn’t ideal when most teams wants to do their best to sit back and relax in the second leg. The German champions are running away with the Bundesliga title again but in the UCL, they’ll need to showcase the kind of grit they did against Salzburg if they’re going to reach the semis.
Team News
Davies is expected to feature after returning to the starting XI, Sarr is viewed as a fitness doubt and the only confirmed absences are Choupo-Moting and Tolisso.
Villarreal
In terms of what they’re producing domestically, Villarreal aren’t exactly blowing anyone away. They’re struggling down in seventh place and their inconsistency could cost them in a big way by the time the season ends – that is if they don’t go on to win the Champions League. It sounds unlikely and a little bit bizarre, but Unai Emery has this team playing to their full potential and then some on the big stage.
Team News
Moreno continues to serve as the only absence for Villarreal with Dia being a fitness doubt after not featuring at the weekend. Torres, meanwhile, should play a role after being rested in the league.
Factors to Consider
- In the first leg in Spain, Villarreal beat Bayern Munich 1-0 with Danjuma scoring the only goal.
- Bayern have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
- Villarreal have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
- Bayern have scored 17 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
- Villarreal have scored six goals and conceded four in their last six games.
Conclusion
While the home crowd alone should be enough for Bayern to edge over the finish line here and turn the tie around, there’s just something that feels a bit special about this Villarreal team. Ever since they went on their Europa League run last season they’ve felt like a team that just gets how to win at the elite European level. We’re expecting a 1-1 draw with Villarreal, miraculously, making it through to the semi-finals.
Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 53/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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