Champions League quarterfinals preview & top betting picks

The UEFA Champions League returns this week with the first leg of the quarterfinals. Below are our free soccer betting picks for all four matches.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

Tuesday, April 9 – 8pm GMT – Emirates Stadium

Arsenal scraped into the quarterfinals after they recovered from a first-leg defeat to beat FC Porto on penalties. Bayern Munich also came back from a first-leg deficit in the round of 16, beating Lazio 3-1 on aggregate.

The last three times that these sides have met, Bayern have won 5-1, but they have been uncharacteristically shaky this season and look set to lose the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012. With Arsenal now top of the Premier League table and playing at home, they come in as rightful favourites with top online bookmakers.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City

Tuesday, April 9 – 9pm CET – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

This matchup is the worst-case scenario for both sides, as they each drew arguably the hardest opposition. Manchester City cruised through the round of 16 with a 6-2 aggregate win over FC Copenhagen, whereas Real Madrid were strong defensively in their 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig.

While Pep Guardiola’s men have probably been the better team this campaign, Real Madrid have not lost at the Bernabeu all season. Injuries to defenders Kyle Walker, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake may also force City into a formation change, which should give the Spanish giants the edge.

Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

Wednesday, April 10 – 9pm CET – Estadio Civitas Metropolitano

Atletico Madrid pulled off the biggest upset in the round of 16 as they defeated soon-to-be Italian champions Inter Milan on penalties. Facing Borussia Dortmund — who beat PSV 3-1 — these are probably the two weakest remaining sides.

Both teams have had disappointing domestic seasons, but Atletico have the home advantage in this first leg. However, they have not kept a clean sheet in their past eight matches, so expect both sides to score.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona

Wednesday, April 10 – 9pm CET – Parc des Princes

Barcelona have been on a great run of form in 2024, as shown in their comfortable 4-2 aggregate win over Napoli in the round of 16. The Spanish heavyweights head to Paris as underdogs with soccer betting sites, although they are set to be boosted by the return of star midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Always difficult to gauge due to the relative weakness of their domestic league, PSG easily dealt with Real Sociedad in a 4-1 victory last round. They are undefeated at home this season, and with star striker Kylian Mbappe already scoring 39 goals in all competitions, he will be the player to watch.

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