Champions League QF betting tips & odds – Thursday, April 14

The second half of the UEFA Champions League quarter finals will take place this Thursday (AEST). After Tuesday’s games sent two teams home, two more will join them when these games are over. Both Manchester City and Liverpool will take the field for the first time since their dramatic matchup this past weekend. It’s do-or-die time, and after this round only four teams will be in contention for Champions League glory. Here is a pick for each of Thursday’s fixtures.

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester City

This is the most intriguing game on the slate. Man City will come into this game with a fragile one-goal lead, so Atletico will be forced to play more aggressively than they did in the first game. When that happens, who knows? Atletico very rarely push forward and usually play risk-free soccer. City will gladly let them sit back if they choose, but Atleti are not in a position to do so. They will have to attack.

And that’s going to make for a great soccer game. Atletico have the attackers to make City’s stellar defence struggle, but this pick mostly comes down to City’s mindset. City are in the midst of a Champions League run and a Premier League title run. They should be mentally and physically stretched. While they may be the best club in the world, this game should be closer than some pundits foresee. Take Madrid at the spread and expect it to be a tight fixture separated by one or two mistakes.

Liverpool vs Benfica

This game should be very open after what happened in the first leg. Liverpool have a two-goal lead due to their dominance in Lisbon and will be happy to sit back. However, Benfica have nothing to lose and will put their best foot forward. In turn, this will give Liverpool ample opportunity to counterattack, and with their finishing talent, they should score a couple of goals. If Benfica can score one or two goals, this over should hit easily. Four goals is a lot, but this game has all the makings of a barnburner. Take the over and root for attack. What’s better than that?

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