Champions League Semi-finals preview – First Leg

The first leg of the Champions League semi-final ties will be played this week. Chelsea make the trip to the Spanish capital for an exciting European clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday. The Blues have had a superb season revival under manager Thomas Tuchel, and they are aiming to reach their first Champions League final since 2012 when they won the competition.

The other blockbuster tie will involve Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. The Cityzens make the trip to Parc des Princes on Wednesday, and they will be beaming with confidence after winning the Carabao Cup for the fourth year running.

Both ties could be evenly contested with all four clubs in good league form at the moment. This stage of the Champions League features heaving betting through different bookmakers and casinos, with new operators – such as those listed at https://goodluckmate.com/casinos/crypto – carving out a niche for themselves in online gambling by offering cryptocurrency payments.

Here is our preview for the first leg:

Real Madrid vs Chelsea – Tuesday:

Both teams have impressed defensively in recent months and they have both kept clean sheets in the last three games. The Blues have been exceptional with a back three under Tuchel with 16 shut-outs from 21 outings, but that has reduced their attacking output.

While they have created chances on goal, they have been unable to convert with some poor finishing. The same can be said about the hosts, who have not been at their vintage best in front of goal. Still, they could edge the contest with the return of some key players from injury.

Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has returned to action after another hamstring setback. Sergio Ramos has also made a long-awaited return to training while Toni Kroos has overcome a minor muscle concern. Los Blancos will be aiming to beat the Blues for the first time. They have faced the Blues on three occasions in the past, suffering two defeats.

Real Madrid 1-0 Chelsea

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester City – Wednesday:

Les Parisiens have the opportunity to reach a second-straight final in the competition, but they must first overcome the challenge from the Cityzens. Both teams like to play an attacking brand of football, and the game could be decided by which side is better organised defensively.

Pep Guardiola’s side tend to struggle against teams, who like to play on the counter-attack. Les Parisiens are best suited to that with the pace of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe upfront. There should be goals guaranteed from both clubs in this contest.

The Cityzens are aiming to qualify for their first-ever Champions League final, but they will come up against manager Mauricio Pochettino, who orchestrated their quarter-final exit against Tottenham Hotspur two years ago. He will be hoping to replicate the same.

Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Manchester CityStats from Transfermarkt.com

Champions League Semi-finals preview – First Leg

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