Champions League
2013-02-13 - Real Madrid vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : Europe : Champions League
Wednesday, 13th February 2013 - Kickoff 7:45pm GMT
BETTING PREVIEW
This is a bit of a treat for anyone who loves football. Two of the biggest clubs in the world will face not once, but twice in a bid to get to the QF of the Champions League. Manchester United play the 1st leg in Madrid, where they have not won in 4 attempts, and have it all to do, as Ferguson tries to outwit Mourinho.
Mourinho seems to know what to do when facing Ferguson. He shot to the big time when he got his Porto side to beat United en route the Champions League trophy, and then while at Chelsea he lost just once against Ferguson, winning 5 and drawing 4. Also, Ferguson's United side are not just away, but at a stadium where Real Madrid have not been beaten since the start of last season in all competitions, except by Barca.
The current home form for Real Madrid makes worrying reading for Manchester United fans. They have won 9 of their last 11 home games in La Liga, with 2 draws. Those 11 games have seen them score almost 3.5 goals per game, conceding less than 1 per game. Their potent attack is led by United old boy Cristiano Ronaldo, and while Ferguson does know the player, I'm not sure he will know how to stop him. If he doesn't score, he may well distract the United defence enough to allow one of his team mates to do so.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 24 league goals this year, and should be considered in a To Score/Madrid win double. He was the one who netted in that brilliant 3-2 win here over Manchester City.
Real Madrid have a very good record when entertaining teams from England, winning 6, drawing 4 and losing just 2. Thos losses were to Liverpool and previously to Arsenal. They will be encouraged by the surprisingly poor record United have in Spain. United have won just 2 games in Spain, drawing 8 and losing 10!
I think Real are going to set out to win this, because they know it's going to be tough in the 2nd leg, although I feel Mourinho would be confident of getting a draw away from home, what with his knowledge of his opponents. Still, the game can be won here against a United side that has been leaking goals all season.
THE BETTING VERDICT
Very tempted to go with the Real Madrid win in this one, but I can't bring myself to bet against United, what with players like Van Persie and Rooney always a threat. Games between these two are never goalless and I feel both can have a say.
Manchester United will press hard for an away goal and Real Madrid will look for the win to take a lead back. We may have this bet won by halftime - take Both Teams To Score.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Real Madrid 3-2 Manchester United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Both Teams To Score @ 1.70
