Two outsiders for this year’s Champions League meet at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday evening as Benfica host Ajax in the first leg of their last-16 clash.
The Portuguese giants finished second in Group E, but their recent form is a worry, while Ajax breezed through Group C and they reached the knockout stages without dropping a single point.
Wednesday’s other Champions League tie sees Atletico Madrid host Manchester United, with both teams desperate to silence their critics after a tough few weeks.
Haller to Steer Ajax Home
Former West Ham United striker Sebastien Haller has made a name for himself in the Eredivisie since leaving the Hammers in January 2021.
The Ivory Coast international has bagged 27 goals in 39 appearances, while his record in Europe is exemplary. The former Eintracht Frankfurt ace is the competition’s leading scorer with ten goals, and he scored in all six of their group games, becoming only the second player to achieve that feat.
Ajax have won their last ten matches in all competitions, while they kept a clean sheet in the previous four games.
While the Dutch giants are flying, Benfica are 12 points behind Porto in the title race, and the smart money should be on Ajax.
Erik ten Hag’s side are 20/27 to win, while they can be backed at 14/5 to win to zero.
Haller’s record is too good to gloss over as well, and punters can back him to score two or more at 27/4 this Wednesday.
Rejuvenated United Primed to Strike
Two giants of the European game meet in Madrid on Wednesday evening as La Liga champions Atletico Madrid tackle Manchester United.
The two teams often avoid each other in Europe, with United’s only previous visit to Atletico Madrid coming in the first leg of their 1991-92 Cup Winners’ Cup tie.
United would have normally feared their trip to the Spanish capital, but Diego Simeone’s outfit are not the side they once were, and the Red Devils have a chance to leave Madrid with a positive result.
Not only have the Spanish champions lost four of their previous seven games at home, but they have also lost each of their last four Champions League ties against English teams.
An away win is available at 37/20, while United are 10/19 in the double chance market.
Those wanting a goalscorer bet should look no further than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored six times in Europe this season.
While he failed to score against Leeds United at the weekend, Ronaldo has always delivered on the big stage, and he is 19/10 to find the back of the net anytime.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
