The knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League are set to commence on Tuesday, February 17, with some of the premier clubs in Europe vying for advancement to the Round of 16. As excitement builds, various expert picks, predictions, and betting odds are coming to light, providing insights into potential betting strategies for fans and bettors alike.
In the matchup between Galatasaray and Juventus, the best bet leans towards Galatasaray covering the +0.5 spread at odds of -130. Galatasaray is coming off a tough 2-0 defeat against Manchester City but has rebounded strongly at the domestic level with four consecutive victories, each marked by at least three goals scored. The Turkish side boasts an impressive home record this season, having lost only two matches (W14, D4, L2) and maintaining seven clean sheets. Notably, their history includes a win over Liverpool and a draw with Atletico Madrid, demonstrating their capability to secure results against formidable opponents. Given Juventus’ recent struggles, having won just one of their last five matches across all competitions, the chances of Galatasaray achieving a positive outcome look promising.
The clash between Benfica and Real Madrid suggests a favorable outcome for the Spanish giants, with Real Madrid pegged to win at -112 odds. Benfica recently staged a remarkable upset over Real Madrid in the group stage, capped by a last-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin, sending the Eagles through to the knockout rounds. However, Real Madrid has since rebounded, winning their last three matches, including a 4-1 victory against Real Sociedad. If Kylian Mbappe takes the field, his influence could be vital in ensuring that Real Madrid avoids a repeat of their earlier defeat. Although they have faced challenges in away fixtures, the team appears to be regaining its competitive edge.
In a thrilling match-up between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta, the recommendation is to bet on both teams to score and over 2.5 total goals at -112 odds. Dortmund has not scored in their previous two Champions League encounters but is entering this game in strong form, having won their last three matches. Atalanta has shown consistency with their own recent victories, and their away scoring record adds to the anticipation of an exciting contest at Signal Iduna Park.
Lastly, in the battle of AS Monaco against Paris Saint-Germain, Ousmane Dembele is highlighted as a strong candidate for an anytime goalscorer at +104 odds. PSG are heavy favorites, and Dembele, known for his striking ability against Monaco with seven goals in nine appearances, is in excellent form, having scored in his last two games. His capacity to find the net may be pivotal for PSG in what many expect to be a comfortable win.
As the Champions League kicks off with these enticing fixtures, bettors are encouraged to stay updated with current team lineups and maximize their opportunities by checking different betting platforms for favorable odds. The competitive spirit and dramatic outcomes associated with the Champions League promises to deliver thrilling football action on February 17.