On Tuesday, Chelsea and Real Madrid drew 1-1 in the first-leg of their two-leg Champions League Semi-Final aggregate. Then on Wednesday, Manchester City went into Parc de Princes and beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1. As we head into the second week of UCL semi-final play, it makes sense to consider which two squads are poised to battle in the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final. Let’s take a closer look at our latest UCL betting analysis so you can continue making your bets against their Champions League odds.
UEFA Champions League: Possible 2021 Final Matchups After 1st Leg
2021 UEFA Champions League Final
- When: Saturday, May 29
- Where: Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul
Chelsea got exactly what they wanted in the first-leg battle against Real Madrid
Let’s start with the Blues who got exactly what they wanted when drawing with Real. Heading into the match, Real Madrid had been playing like one of the best teams in the world.
Zinedine Zidane’s squad is so deep the former French great can sit Isco for an entire half and not miss a beat. But the Blues played the way we thought, a defensive, patient game. Christian Pulisic got the goal for Chelsea.
Pulisic is the first American to score in a Champions League Semi-Final. Chelsea looks strong heading to Stamford Bridge. If the Blues can beat RM by a goal, or even draw with Real in the second-leg, they’d win the aggregate.
Manchester City showed Paris Saint-Germain who’s boss
Paris Saint-Germain had been riding as high as any squad left in the UCL. PSG had already gotten by Barcelona and Liverpool. Why couldn’t they get by Manchester City?
But this past Wednesday, the Sky Blues were on point. Manchester City beat Paris 2-1. Although at first glance the score doesn’t look significant, it is.
City has a goal lead and the second-leg happens on their pitch. Manchester City can play Paris Saint-Germain even, or lose by a goal, and still march to the finals.
What are the chances PSG mounts a comeback in the second-leg?
It doesn’t look like it. Heading into the first-leg, most soccer handicappers conceded that Paris Saint-Germain lacked the defensive presence to handle a team like Man City.
Those thoughts proved to be true. City controlled possession 59% of the time. Kevin De Bruyne and his mates took 11 shots. 6 were on goal.
PSG took 10 shots. But just 4 were on goal. Now Paris must battle the Sky Blues on their pitch. Unless Pep’s squad implodes, Manchester City should play in the UEFA Champions League Final
Is Chelsea on their way to the final?
It sure looks like it. Drawing with Real Madrid at Alfredo di Stefano is huge. The way Chelsea played also impressed.
Pulisic scored his goal in the fourteenth minute. Karim Benzema knotted it 1-1 in the twenty-ninth minute. Instead of forcing things, the Blues did what we thought they would, escape Madrid with a draw.
Now Chelsea only needs a draw in the second-leg to win on the aggregate. Real has some work to do.
But before anointing Chelsea we must take a closer look. The Blues are a good team, yes, but Real Madrid remains the more talented squad.
Zidane must lean on his top-notch defense by allowing them to push forward. If Madrid is more aggressive in the second-leg, they should beat Chelsea by at least a goal.
It’s too early to give up on Real. It’s not too early to send Man City to the finals.
2021 UEFA Champions League Finals Prediction: Real Madrid Vs Manchester City
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