Champions League best bets & goalscorer tips – Matchday 5

The Champions League group stage is coming to a close and we are starting to get a real idea of who will qualify for the knockout phase. Teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Real Madrid are dominating as expected, but other Champions League stalwarts like Juventus and Barcelona may be watching from home come the round of 16. We have free betting picks for this crucial Matchday 5, with odds courtesy of BetOnline.

Red Bull Salzburg vs Chelsea

Chelsea fired Thomas Tuchel as manager due to his poor Champions League performances, and that appears to have worked out. Since Graham Potter took over, the Blues have won two straight UCL games and now sit at the top of their group. Considering their struggles in the first two matchdays, that is quite the turnaround and it would be foolish to ignore Chelsea’s recent success.

Defensively, Chelsea have been perfect, and Salzburg will have a tough time creating chances in this fixture. Players like Reece James and Kalidou Koulibaly have been difference-makers and should keep Salzburg from scoring. And while Chelsea’s attack can be limited at times, we still like them to do enough in this contest. This is a short line but Chelsea should emerge victorious.

Red Bull Leipzig vs Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior has emerged as one of the best young attackers in the world and he is a vital piece to Real Madrid’s game plan. In 16 games across all competitions, Vini has seven goals, and now Real will be without Karim Benzema for a few games. Benzema’s absence firmly places Vini as Madrid’s best goalscoring option. Leipzig have conceded seven UCL goals in four games, so Real should be able to create in this contest. And it will be on Vinicius to finish those chances. Considering his talent, Vini to score at +220 is a great value bet on one of the most entertaining players in the world.

Borussia Dortmund vs Manchester City

You know the rule: anytime Erling Haaland’s goalscorer odds are better than -150 with the online bookies, it’s a great bet. He has 22 goals in 15 games across all competitions this season and looks unstoppable. While this will be a tough game for City, they cannot be slowed down and Haaland will once again have plenty of opportunities to score. Dortmund are a strong club, but they have been susceptible on the defensive side of the pitch and Haaland will be motivated to make an impact against his old side.

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

This is a game between two teams trending in the opposite directions. Bayern Munich are top of Group C with four wins through four games. Barcelona, on the other hand, are at risk of not advancing and only have four points through their four games. Bayern are simply a way better team and have proven it week in, week out. While this will be a tough game for the German giants at Camp Nou, Barcelona haven’t proven they can beat the big clubs of Europe. Bayern have a midfield that should be able to control possession in this game en route to a big win.

Ajax vs Liverpool

Just how bad can it get for Liverpool? Jurgen Klopp’s squad is in a state of disarray after a brutal loss to Nottingham Forest in their Premier League match over the weekend, and now the Reds have a tough away game against a capable Ajax squad. The Dutch champions have struggled this tournament, but considering Liverpool’s play of late, they have a great chance to win this game. Also, they will have more motivation than a Liverpool team who only need one point to guarantee entry into the knockout stages. Ajax will need to win their next two games, and while that is a longshot, their odds to win this home game are far too long considering how Liverpool have played.

Atletico Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen

This is an interesting battle between the two teams occupying the bottom spots of Group B. Atletico Madrid have four points through as many games and Leverkusen have only three points. In this battle, give us the home team. Atleti have been unimpressive this tournament, but they have way more talent than their opponents and Diego Simeone’s men have a track record of success in the Champions League. While they haven’t played well, Atletico are the more trustworthy team. The -140 is a little short considering Atleti’s form, but they should bounce back in this spot.

Napoli vs Rangers

Victor Osimhen is the star striker for the surprise team of the tournament so far. Napoli haven’t dropped any points in this Champions League campaign, and now they have a home game against a Rangers team who have conceded 16 times in four UCL games. Simply put, the Italian side should dominate and it will be a goal fest. Osimhen has five goals in nine games this season, and he should add to that tally in this game as Rangers are just leaking goals.

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