Champions League playoff round preview & tips | UCL 2024-25
In the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League playoff round, some of Europe’s biggest teams will be fighting to secure a spot in the last 16. Below are our free soccer betting picks for the key fixtures from the first leg of the playoff ties.
Manchester City v Real Madrid
Wednesday, February 12 – 7am AEDT – Etihad Stadium
Champions League holders Real Madrid will have a second stab at defending their title when they travel to England to face Manchester City, who lifted the trophy two years ago. Vinicius Jr has bagged seven goals in eight UCL games this season, and online bookmakers are paying +160 for the Madrid forward to add to his tally.
Vinicius Jr anytime goalscorer
Sporting Lisbon v Borussia Dortmund
Wednesday, February 12 – 7am AEDT – Estadio Jose Alvalade
Borussia Dortmund just missed out on automatic qualification and will be eager to deliver a statement performance against Sporting Lisbon, who finished 13 places below them in the league phase. Serhou Guirassy is the Champions League’s joint top scorer with nine goals, and leading sports betting sites are paying +187 for the Dortmund forward to hit the mark in Portugal.
Serhou Guirassy anytime goalscorer
Club Brugge v Atalanta
Thursday, February 13 – 4:45am AEDT – Jan Breydel Stadium
Atalanta finished ninth on the Champions League table with 15 points, while Club Brugge ended up in 24th place with 11 points. Despite missing out on a top-eight finish by one point, the Serie A outfit should cruise to victory in Belgium.
Atalanta to win
Celtic v Bayern Munich
Thursday, February 13 – 7am AEDT – Celtic Park
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich will be eager to make light work of Scottish side Celtic, who have failed to beat them in four previous meetings. The Bavarians have a stronger and more experienced squad, so expect them to secure a third consecutive victory against the Glasgow side.
