Champions League Semifinals First Leg Preview

The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious club competition in world soccer. After a long season, we have reached the semifinals with four high-level semifinalists.

This phase features two exciting clashes: 14-time Champions League winners Real Madrid take on six-time winners Bayern Munich, while Borussia Dortmund face PSG. Both ties promise to be exciting between some of the best teams in Europe.

Real Madrid continued their quest for a 15th European crown by dramatically beating Manchester City in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich overcame Arsenal to reach the semifinals.

In the other series, Borussia Dortmund pulled off a surprise victory over Atletico Madrid. They will face a formidable PSG, who staged an incredible comeback against Barcelona in the quarterfinals.

The first legs of the semifinals will be crucial in determining who reaches the final in Istambul. Both matches are too close to call and could go either way. Below, we bring you a preview of both semifinal matches, with their respective betting odds and our free predictions.

Champions League Semifinals First Leg – Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid

When and Where?

Tuesday, April 30, 3:00 pm ET at the Allianz Arena

Moneyline odds: 

Bayern Munich 2.696 

Real Madrid 2.50

Draw Offs: 

3.54

Where can I watch it?

ESPN/Star+, Paramount+, and Sky Sports

Real Madrid has had a positive season in LaLiga and excelled in the Champions League. After finishing first in their group, they eliminated Leipzig in the Round of 16 before pulling off a dramatic comeback against Manchester City in the quarterfinals. After an interesting first leg in Madrid that ended 3-3, the return leg went no further than a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium. However, Los Merengues went on to win 4-3 on penalties.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich lost the Bundesliga to Bayer Leverkusen, so their only major trophy in play is the Champions League. They topped their group before eliminating Lazio in the Round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate win. In the quarterfinals, they overcame a challenge from Arsenal, winning 3-2 on aggregate. Harry Kane is having a prolific season, and the English striker will aim to fire Bayern to another Champions League crown.

For this match, our prediction is a win for Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid Betting Pick: Real Madrid

Champions League Semifinals First Leg – Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG

When and Where?

Wednesday, May 1, 3:00 pm ET at the Signal Iduna Park

Moneyline odds: 

Dortmund 2.696 

PSG 2.395

Draw Offs: 

3.78

Where can I watch it?

ESPN/Star+, Paramount+, and Sky Sports

Dortmund has had many problems in the Bundesliga, as they are not in the top four of the standings, but they have impressed notably in Europe. They finished first in the Group of Death ahead of PSG, Milan, and Newcastle. 

In the Round of 16, they managed to dispatch PSV with a 3-1 aggregate score, advancing to this semifinal after an impressive comeback in the second leg against Atletico Madrid. Losing 1-2 after the first leg in Madrid, Dortmund put on a show at home, winning the second leg 4-2 to advance 5-4 on aggregate. 

Meanwhile, PSG finished second in their group behind Borussia Dortmund, as mentioned above. Similarly, the road to the semifinals has also been dramatic. After losing the first leg 2-3 at home to Barcelona, PSG headed to the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic and delivered an emphatic performance, crushing the Catalans 4-1 to advance 6-4 on aggregate. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembelé were unstoppable, scoring three of the four goals in the epic second leg.

For this match, our prediction is a draw on the scoreboard.

Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG Betting Pick: Draw