Euro Soccer Roundup – 2024 Champions League Semifinals

The 2024 UEFA Champions League semifinals kicked off this week as the four remaining teams continue to battle it out for the most prestigious prize in European club soccer. 

We’re coming to the end of the European soccer season, but there are still plenty of competitions ongoing that have yet to determine their winners. That means bettors still have many, many opportunities to earn some nice profits!

We also have two major international soccer competitions on the calendar this summer in the 2024 Copa America and Euro 2024. Make sure you check out our early preview and predictions articles! Sports Hub will be providing more and more content on the upcoming competitions as we get closer to the start. 

It’s crunch time. It’s the business end of the campaign. And here, at Sports Hub, we can’t wait to break down everything you need to know to make the most out of the season’s conclusion. 

We’re focusing on the Champions League semifinals this week as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid fight for the trophy. The 1st legs have already been completed, but we will be previewing the two 2nd leg ties coming up next week. 

Premier League Recap

Before we get into the Champions League semifinals action, let’s take a look at what’s happening in the English Premier League. 

The Premier League title race: Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are set to fight for the Premier League crown, and it’s the Gunners who currently have a 1-point lead. Nevertheless, City can go top of the pile if they win their game in hand. As for the Reds, they are five points behind the leaders after dropping points in each of their last two games. Their chances at winning the league look incredibly slim. 

Relegation battle: Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Sheffield United’s fate in the top-flight has come to an end after their relegation was officially confirmed. The Blades suffered a 5-1 defeat away to Newcastle United last Saturday – their fourth straight loss. Burnley and Luton Town are the other two teams who currently make up the bottom three. However, Forest are just one point ahead of Luton in 17th-place. 

Points Deductions: Premier League soccer fans should be keeping an eye on the latest news regarding points deductions as well. Everton, who currently lie in 15th on 36 points but with a six-point deduction, may be deducted a further two points as well due to breaches with Profit and Sustainability laws. Forest has also been deducted four points. 

Champions League Semifinals – 1st Legs

Being the biggest European club soccer competition, the Champions League is one of the most highly-anticipated tournaments on the schedule every season. Now that we have reached the Champions League semifinals, even more eyes will be watching to see how the two-legged affairs unfold. Firstly, let’s recap the 1st legs. 

Here are the two results from the 1st legs: 

• Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid 
• Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain

Starting on Tuesday, six-time winners Bayern Munich drew 2-2 with record 14-time victors Real Madrid at Allianz Arena, Munich. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half before Leroy Sane tied things up less than ten minutes after the break. Harry Kane put the hosts ahead just before the hour mark from the penalty spot, but the Spanish giants would take a draw back to Madrid following a late penalty by Vinicius, which also secured his double. 

On Wednesday, fellow German side Borussia Dortmund took a 1st-leg lead by securing a 1-0 triumph against Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain at Signal Iduna Park. BVB have struggled domestically thus far, and currently sit outside the top four. However, they will be dreaming of European glory, and Dortmund look good value to reach the final after taking the lead in the tie. 

German forward Niclas Füllkrug displayed some world-class centre-forward play when taking the lead on Wednesday night. The 31-year-old’s first touch was sublime as he took the ball down following a superb pass from deep by Nico Schlotterbeck. Füllkrug made no mistake with the finish, firing the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Particularly impressive to do it during the Champions League semifinals as well.

In spite of the striker’s goal, it was Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho who stole the headlines after he put in a mesmerizing display down the right flank, destroying left-back Nuno Mendes in the process. The Englishman came under harsh scrutiny during his time at United, but looks to have rediscovered his best form back at former club Dortmund. Could he guide BVB to just their second-ever Champions League title?

Champions League Odds

So, now that we’re up to date with the latest from the Champions League semifinals, let’s take a look at the latest odds across the competition. If you are new to betting on the Champions League, why not check out our best tips article? There you can find even more betting tips for betting on European soccer’s premier tournament!

Below you can find the current odds for the 2nd legs and for each team to qualify: 

Paris Saint-Germain vs Borussia Dortmund

• PSG (-200), To Qualify (-143)
• Draw (+300)
• Dortmund (+550), To Qualify (+105)

As you can see above, despite Dortmund having the lead, it is PSG who are the current favorites to reach the final. The last time they got to the final was 2019/20, meaning they have failed to do so across their last three attempts. Les Parisians are yet to win the tournament in their history. The French side have infamously struggled during the knockout stages of the Champions League. Prior to this season, they had failed to get past the Round of 16 in five of their last seven attempts.

Could we find some value on Dortmund reaching the final? They are currently priced at plus-money to do so, and they have the 1-0 advantage before heading to Parc des Princes. BVB last made the final in 2012/13 when they lost to Bayern Munich 2-1, and they last won the Champions League back in 1997. This is their first tie in the Champions League semifinals since their run to the final just over 10 years ago. 

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

• Real Madrid (-110), To Qualify (-200)
• Draw (+280)
• Bayern Munich (+260), To Qualify (+150)

With the scores tied at 2-2 after the 1st leg, we’ve got a clean slate heading into the 2nd at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid. Los Blancos’ tremendous success in the Champions League over recent years means they are very short to reach another final. They have all but secured the La Liga title this season as well, meaning they can turn their attention to Europe, and home advantage in the 2nd leg could play a big role in them making the final two. 

However, if anyone can stop them, it’s Bayern Munich. In spite of them failing to retain their 12th consecutive Bundesliga title this season, Bayern remain as one of European soccer’s heavyweights. Led by the likes of Kane, Thomas Müller and Jamal Musiala, they proved they could compete in the 1st leg by overturning a 1-0 first-half deficit. Nevertheless, the task of winning in Madrid to get past the Champions League semifinals looks daunting. 

Outright Winner Odds 

We can still place wagers on the outright winner whilst still at the Champions League semifinals. Bettors can find greater value by deciding to bet on the winner before the two teams in the final have been determined. Let’s take a look at the outright winner odds: 

• Real Madrid (+100)
• PSG (+225)
• Bayern Munich (+300)
• Borussia Dortmund (+600)

It’s not much of a surprise to see Real Madrid as favorites to win the Champions League outright as they have won the competition 5 times over the past 10 seasons, winning the tournament every time they have reached the final. They have the home advantage for the 2nd leg as well, and quite simply, they know what it takes to win the tournament.

Although PSG have struggled for success in Europe’s elite club competition, they are currently the second favorites. They aren’t even leading in their semifinal tie, yet the bookmakers have listed them at a pretty short price of +225 to go all the way. They aren’t showing too much value at this stage so it could be a good idea to fade them.

Bayern last won the Champions League in 2020 as they beat PSG 1-0. Could we see a repeat of the final this time around? Thomas Tuchel’s side are the third favorites to win the tournament right now, and if they can eliminate Real Madrid in the semifinals, we could see them become favorites. There’s also a chance that we see a repeat of the 2013 final if both Bayern and Dortmund can progress from the Champions League semifinals.

Finally, Dortmund are the longest-priced contender to go on and win the Champions League after their semifinal 1st leg. They arguably have the weakest roster amongst the remaining four teams, and their position in the Bundesliga (5th) is far from convincing. Still, having already gained a 1st-leg advantage, we could find some value on them at +600. 

Champions League Semifinals – 2nd Leg Previews

It’s time to preview the 2nd legs now in the Champions League semifinals. The odds for the matches are available above, but we will be breaking down everything you need to know ahead of the deciding games. That will also include some Champions League betting trends! 

The 2nd legs of the Champions League semifinals are some of the most sought after European soccer matches on the planet. That is because the best of the best are fighting to reach the final of the most distinguished and respected competition in soccer. This year’s final will be played at Wembley Stadium, London on June 1. 

That means that plenty of people will be wanting to place bets on the two games. So, don’t worry, Sports Hub has your back! We will be giving you the best tips to help you bet on next week’s games. Let’s start by looking at Tuesday’s matchup between PSG and Dortmund. 

Paris Saint-Germain vs Borussia Dortmund 

• When: Tuesday, May 7th, 2024
• Where: Parc des Princes, Paris, France 
• 1st Leg Result: Dortmund 1-0 PSG 
• Watch: Paramount+ / CBS
• Odds: PSG (-200) / Draw (+300) / Dortmund (+550)

Füllkrug has given Dortmund the 1-0 lead as they enter the return leg in Paris. PSG have the home advantage, which makes sense as to why they are currently -200 favorites to win the game. They are also -150 favorites to qualify. 

The hosts star man is Mbappe, and they will be leaning on him to help them get to the final. However, they have proven they can get goals from other sources as well, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha also getting on the scoresheet in the quarterfinal win against Barcelona. Les Parisiens will be desperate for their maiden Champions League trophy, and for revenge following their 2020 final loss. 

Led by veteran Mats Hummels at the back, the 35-year-old stalwart has been essential to BVB’s hot Champions League run. He could make the difference in the 2nd leg, considering all Dortmund need is a 0-0 draw to make it into the final. Hummels played in the 2013 final for the Black and Yellow, too, so it would be a fulfilling storyline if he went on to lift the trophy this time around. They must get the job done in Paris first, nevertheless.

Champions League Semifinals – betting trends

• PSG have recorded the fifth-highest number of semifinal losses in Champions League history (5)
• France have had a total of 18 teams reach the Champions League semifinals (fifth-most country)
• PSG last got to the semifinals in 2021 when they lost 4-1 on aggregate against Manchester City
• PSG reached their one and only final in 2020 as they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich
• Robert Lewandowski holds the record for the most goals in a semifinal match (4) when he scored for Dortmund against Real Madrid in 2013
• Dortmund have reached the Champions League semifinals just twice in their history, last doing so in 2013 when they went on to lose in the final against Bayern Munich

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

• When: Wednesday, May 8th, 2024
• Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain 
• 1st Leg Result: Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid 
• Watch: Paramount+ / CBS
• Odds: Real Madrid (-110) / Draw (+280) / Bayern Munich (+260)

The two European giants played out an enthralling 2-2 draw in Bavaria during the 1st leg last Tuesday, meaning it’s all to play for in the 2nd in the Spanish capital. The home advantage and consistent success for Real Madrid in the Champions League has seen them listed as -110 favorites for the game, while they are priced as slender -250 favorites to reach the final. The oddsmakers are expecting a PSG vs Real Madrid final. 

This matchup is arguably the most anticipated out of the two. Bayern will be on the hunt for success here, especially after their disastrous domestic campaign. Will Kane finally win a trophy this season? However, they will have to get past perennial champions Real Madrid during the Champions League semifinals. The Spanish side last won the tournament in 2022, their fifth title in eight years, and they also knocked out reigning champions Manchester City in the quarterfinals. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti knows what it takes to win the competition, and has won the Champions League a total of four times! Twice with Los Blancos and twice with Milan.

Kane could make the difference for the visitors, and he managed to score in the 1st leg to put Bayern ahead in the second half. However, he will have to go up against fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham. The starlet has been known to score in big matches, like when he snatched an injury-time winner against Barceloan in El Clasico last month. The likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius pose a strong offensive threat for Los Blancos as well. We could be in for a shootout! 

Champions League Semifinals – betting trends

• Toni Kroos has made the second-most Champions League semifinals appearances in history (19) for both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid 
• Fellow Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has made a total of 17 semifinals appearances (fifth-most)
• David Alaba has played in 14 semifinals matches for both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid
• Vinicius Jr. and Thomas Müller have scored the most goals in Champions League semifinals across both current squads (4)
• Real Madrid have reached the most semifinals in history (17), with Bayern in second with 14 
• Real Madrid have won the most semifinals ties ever (8), while Bayern are joint-second with 6
• Real Madrid have also lost the most semifinals ties in history (8), while Bayern have lost the third-most (6)
• Bayern and Real Madrid have won the most Champions League semifinals matches (12)
• Los Blancos have scored the most semifinals goals (44), while Bayern have scored the second-most (38)
• Bayern’s 7-0 aggregate semifinal win over Barcelona in 2013 was the biggest margin of victory in Champions League history

What’s On This Weekend’s European Soccer Schedule?

We’ve gone through everything that you need to know now in order to prepare your bets for next week’s Champions League semifinals. They’re set to be some fantastic matches of soccer, and our handicappers will be putting plenty of picks into the system.

Make sure that you sign-up for a Sports Hub account in order to gain access to our Champions League semifinals picks!

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It’s time to turn our attention to this weekend’s European soccer schedule. All of the top five major Euro soccer leagues are in action over the weekend. With just a few games remaining, every single point is crucial. Teams will be battling relegation, fighting for a spot in Europe, and looking to wrap-up their league titles.

• Friday: There’s a pivotal Premier League matchup between Luton and Everton on Friday night which could have a big impact on the relegation battle. There are also games from Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga.
• English Championship Final Day: The second tier of English football is known as the Championship, and the final day is on Saturday. Leicester City have already been crowned champions and will return to the Premier League. However, automatic and playoff spots are still to be decided, as well as relegation. Cash prizes for securing promotion to the Premier League are huge so it’s a massive day on the English soccer calendar.
• More Major Soccer: There’s also more games from the Premier League, Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga on Saturday. Arsenal play AFC Bournemouth in the early kickoff in what is a must-win for the Gunners, while Man City host Wolves later on as the title race continues. Champions League semifinalists Bayern Munich, Dortmund and Real Madrid all play on Saturday in their respective domestic leagues. PSG get the weekend off as they rest up ahead of the Champions League semifinals.
• Sunday Action: The Premier League, the Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga have games on Sunday as well. The highlight from England is Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur. Roma take on Juventus as well in a big game from Italy. 
• A Light Monday: Crystal Palace host Manchester United in the final game of this round of Premier League fixtures on Monday. There’s also one game from Ligue 1 and two from Serie A.

That’s the end of our Euro soccer roundup this week. We’ll be back next week after we find out the results of the midweek Champions League semifinals. The two teams that will meet in the final will then have been set! Good luck with you bets over the weekend. Let’s keep finding winners!