Champions League Semifinals Second Leg Preview

The UEFA Champions League semifinals reached its climax, as we are just one match away from finding out the two finalists of this 2023/24 edition. After months of group stage, Round of 16, and Quarterfinal matches, the top four teams advanced to the semifinals. 

The four clubs left standing are among the biggest names in the sport. Real Madrid, 14-time European Cup winners, face Bayern Munich, 6-time champions and perennial Bundesliga winners. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain, backed by billions from Qatar, takes on Borussia Dortmund, looking to cap an irregular season with European glory. 

Borussia Dortmund will be looking to protect their 1-0 first-leg lead against PSG. However, with Mbappé and Dembélé in attack, the Parisians have the firepower to reverse the deficit, especially at home. BvB’s defense will have to be at its best.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also delicately balanced. The 2-2 draw in the first leg gives both teams hope. Vinicius Jr’s brace gives Real Madrid confidence, but Bayern proved they can score at the Bernabeu. 

Below, we bring you the preview of the second legs of these UEFA Champions League semifinals, with their respective betting odds and our free predictions.

Champions League Semifinals: PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund

When and Where?

Tuesday, May 7, 3:00 pm ET at the Parc des Princes 

Moneyline odds: 

PSG 1.515 

Borussia Dortmund 5.65

Draw Offs: 

4.60

Where can I watch it?

ESPN/Star+, Paramount+, and Sky Sports

Borussia Dortmund took a 1-0 lead over PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal clash last Wednesday at Signal Iduna Park. Striker Niclas Füllkrug scored the only goal of the game in the 36th minute to give the German side a narrow advantage heading into the second leg in Paris.

Dortmund was able to control possession and create several scoring chances throughout the match. Their pressure led to the goal for Füllkrug, who finished off a nice pass from a teammate. Their defense also stepped up, limiting PSG’s talented attackers like Mbappé and Dembelé to few chances. 

The 1-0 result means PSG will need to score at least two goals in the second leg in Paris to advance directly to the final. However, with Mbappé, Dembelé, and Vitinha in their attack, they certainly have the firepower to pull off a comeback victory. Dortmund will need another solid defensive performance and will be hoping to score an away goal to secure their place in the final.

After their dramatic comeback victory against Barcelona in the quarterfinals, the Parisians hope for more of the same magic at the Parc des Princes.

This match could go either way, that’s for sure, but we can predict that PSG could take the win with a score of 2-1 if they turn on the style in front of their home fans, with Mbappé and Dembélé leading the chargeback.

That’s why our winner’s chip for this match is a win for PSG.

PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund Betting Pick: PSG

Champions League Semifinals: Real Madrid vs. Bayern München

When and Where?

Wednesday, May 8, 3:00 pm ET at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Moneyline odds: 

Real Madrid 1.885 

Bayern München 4.00

Draw Offs: 

3.66

Where can I watch it?

ESPN/Star+, Paramount+, and Sky Sports

The first leg between Real Madrid and Bayern ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. Real Madrid took an early lead thanks to a goal by Vinicius Jr. in the 24th minute. The young Brazilian has been in sensational form this season and gave Los Blancos the lead.

However, the Bavarians turned things around quickly in the second half with two goals in just four minutes. First, Leroy Sane equalized in the 53rd minute with a brilliant finish. Then, minutes later, Harry Kane gave them the lead through a penalty.

Just when it looked like Bayern would take home advantage, Vinicius Jr. popped up again to score the second of the night in the 83rd minute, also via penalty. The late equalizer means that the tie is perfectly balanced heading into the second leg in Madrid. Both teams had plenty of chances, and the match could have gone either way. Vinicius’ two goals were crucial in securing Madrid’s draw, giving them two vital goals ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu. 

With the series tied at 2-2 on aggregate, the match at the Santiago Bernabeu will be a clash of titans. But if any club is capable of winning in Madrid, it is Bayern. Revenge will be on their minds as they aim to finally exorcise the ghosts of previous Champions League eliminations.

Likewise, for this match, we expect Los Merengues to make their home ground respect and take the victory. Therefore, our prediction is a win for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid vs. Bayern München Betting Pick: Real Madrid.