Real Madrid may need to keep a clean sheet to progress tonight
Lyon managed to repel the Real Madrid ‘galacticos’ for 90-minutes in France a fortnight ago, securing a one-nil win, which has put them in a strong position ahead of tonight’s return leg in the Bernabeu.
They are 31/20 (SportingBet) to qualify from the tie, and if they manage to score, they have an excellent chance, as even a two-one defeat (17/2, SkyBet) will see them progress.
In their last six matches in all competitions, Lyon haven’t conceded a single goal, and so will be confident of their defensive solidity this evening. It is 9/1 (StanJames) that the away side record another clean sheet, although that may be being ambitious, against what is arguably Europe’s strongest attack.
Real Madrid are 1/3 (VictorChandler) to win tonight, and current form suggests they are capable of landing those odds, although casual punters will be looking for bigger prices, available on other markets.
If you think Real Madrid can qualify (8/13, Bluesq) then backing the home side to beat the one goal handicap (5/6, Bet365) is a good option, and a two-nil (SportingBet) win for the home side would be the most likely score, which would see them through in ninety minutes.
Picking a first goalscorer in a Madrid match tends to be a toss up between Cristiano Ronaldo (10/3, SkyBet) and Gonzalo Higuain (4/1, Ladbrokes). Covering both on the anytime market, at 9/10 (Bwin) and 11/10 (BetFred) could be a profitable option.
Most people would expect this match to be filled with goals, although with Lyon set to adopt a defensive mentality, and Real likely to be particularly wary of conceding an away goal, there could be some value in taking under 2.5, at 6/4 (VictorChandler), and it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if the game finished one-nil (15/2, SportingBet) to Madrid, thus forcing extra-time.
A Real Madrid win to nil, at 13/10 with PaddyPower looks over-priced, and covers both the match going to extra-time, and any likely Madrid qualification result. Considering the Spaniards have managed to win, without conceding, in eight of their thirteen home La Liga matches this season, there is a definite precedent for the outcome.
Recommendations
Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Under (6/4, VictorChandler)
Win to Nil – Real Madrid (13/10, PaddyPower)
