UEFA Champions League quarterfinals: Picks for the quarterfinal second leg matches

The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals move into the second leg on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Champions League threw up a couple of surprises in the first leg. 

The second legs could see one major upset as Villarreal shocked Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie. The second-leg games will be played on Tuesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 13.

Outright Champions League winner betting odds

• Manchester City +175
• Liverpool +187
• Bayern Munich +450
• Real Madrid +600
• Atletico Madrid +3300
• Chelsea +4000
• Villarreal +4000
• Benfica +100000

Real Madrid vs. Chelsea

Chelsea were favorites to defeat Real Madrid at home in the first leg. However, Real Madrid outplayed Chelsea from the kickoff and claimed a 3-1 win away from home. Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick, his second straight in as many Champions League matches.

Chelsea picked up a Premier League win at the week versus Southampton 6-0. Real Madrid also won at the weekend, defeating Getafe 2-0. Chelsea must score at least three goals and not concede to Madrid. I don’t see this occurring and Real Madrid should pick up a home win.

Bayern Munich vs. Villarreal

Villarreal shocked Bayern Munich at home thanks to a goal from Arnaut Danjuma in the first leg. The goal came in the eighth minute and Villarreal held out defensively for the remaining 92 minutes.

Bayern Munich are one of the strongest teams in Europe. It is difficult to believe Bayern Munich won’t get on the scoresheet in this one. Bayern Munich drew the first leg of the last 16 against Red Bull Salzburg before winning the second leg 7-1.

The Germans should win against Villarreal. Although Soccer Buddy predicts a 1-0 Bayern win, I see them picking up a win with over 2.0 goals. Bayern Munich should progress to the semifinals.

Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester City

Atletico Madrid were awful in attack against Manchester City in the first leg. They tallied zero shots and 29% possession. Still, they only lost 1-0 to Manchester City away. Los Rojiblancos now have the chance to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the second leg.

The problem for Diego Simeone’s team is Manchester City are one of the strongest sides in the world. Manchester City are coming off of a 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the league. Pep Guardiola’s team is just too strong and they should win at Atletico.

Soccer Buddy’s prediction is for a 2-1 Manchester City win. Based on Atletico’s awful attacking performance in the first leg, I believe Manchester City will win to nil in the second leg.

Liverpool vs. Benefica

Liverpool go into the second leg with a 3-1 lead. The Reds were not at their best against Benfica in the first leg, but still won by two goals. Benfica were a bit fortunate to get on the scoresheet. A defensive miskick from Ibrahima Konate allowed Darwin Nunez to score.

Liverpool drew 2-2 with Manchester City at the weekend in the Premier League and will again play the Cityzens next Saturday in the FA Cup semifinals. Before then, Liverpool should claim a home win to nil versus Benfica. Liverpool will simply be too much for Benfica.