Apoel v Real Madrid: Spanish giants to shatter Cypriot dreams
Published:The respective Champions League pedigrees of these two teams could hardly differ more, as nine-time winners Real Madrid travel to Cyprus at 3/10 to beat the first-time quarter-finalists Apoel Nicosia.
Apoel have surprised everybody in this year’s competition, performing admirably en route to the quarter-final after conquering Lyon in the second round, and they are 10/1 to spring another surprise here, that would surely be registered as the greatest result in the club’s history.
It is 4/1 that the teams play out a draw, but a Real side that has recorded seven wins from eight European matches this term look good to get past a side even as spirited as the Cypriots.
Jose Mourinho’s men have been ruthless in the competition, racking up 24 goals in just eight games, and conceding on just four occasions in that time too, making the 7/1 odds on Los Blancos achieving a third 3-0 Champions League success this season look appealing.
More cautious punters will take interest in the 5/6 for Real Madrid to win with three or more goals occurring in the match, and could also be worth backing the Spaniards to find the net 2-3 times at 11/10.
They have notched four or more times on three occasions this season too though, and so it could be wise to invest in the 9/4 odds on Real scoring four or more here as well.
Also, the travelling side have overcome their opponents by at least a two goal margin a big five out of eight matches in Europe during the campaign, and so the 7/4 for Real to overcome a two goal handicap and win looks unmissable.
Cristiano Ronaldo entered the history books at the weekend by becoming the fastest player in La Liga history to reach 100 goals, and he can continue his goalscoring exploits in Europe by opening the scoring at 13/8.
