Galatasaray can make life tough for Galacticos in Group B
Published:Group B contains no fewer than three of the eight quarter-finalists of the 2012/13 edition of the Champions League, with Real Madrid, Juventus and Galatasaray joined by FC Copenhagen.
Galatasaray v Real Madrid
These sides will need no introduction to one another as Turkish champions Galatasaray seek revenge against Real Madrid for their quarter-final exit last season.
Far from being overawed by the visit of Gareth Bale’s new-look Galaticos however, the Turkish side only have to look to their 3-2 win in the home leg of that tie to give themselves belief they can repeat that feat again – rated at 5/1 by Ladbrokes, though the draw at 16/5 holds most appeal.
A rather underwhelming start to the season for the home side, including three draws, leaves a little to be desired, but Didier Drogba and co are sure to raise their game for the visit of Madrid.
With a cauldron-like atmosphere always guaranteed in Istanbul, it’s no surprise to find out the hosts have only lost twice at home in their last 14 games in UEFA competition.
Meanwhile, all five previous meetings have gone over 2.5 goals as well, available at 11/20.
FC Copenhagen v Juventus
Italy’s dominant force of the last three years start their Champions League campaign with the gentlest road trip they’ll face in Group B against the Danes and it’s difficult to look beyond a Juventus win at 2/5.
The case is made even steelier when you consider the Italians have not lost a single one of their last 13 campaign openers at Europe’s top table – winning eight of those.
As the last campaign progressed the Old Lady of Turin became more and more clinical on their travels, following up a 1-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk in their last group game with a 3-0 pummelling of Celtic in the round-of-16 in Glasgow.
A Juventus win to nil in the Danish capital is priced invitingly at 23/10, while Arturo Vidal, with three goals in his last two appearances, at 7/1, is probably the pick to register for the visitors.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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