UCL Odds: Attacking Monaco in Tough vs Steady Juve
Monaco (+222) vs Juventus (+138), Draw (+260)
Stylistically, the Champions League semifinal clash between Monaco and Juventus could prove to be one of the most interesting match-ups of the season, as the young, attack-minded Monaco side takes on the most established defensive side in the world. Juventus travels to Monaco on May 3rd for the first leg match.
Monaco have done brilliantly to reach the semifinals. They put on an attacking masterclass against Dortmund in the quarterfinals, beating them 3-2 away and then 3-1 at home.
In the Round of 16, they inched their way past Manchester City, losing 5-3 in the first leg but coming back to win 3-1 in the second. All their games so far have been high-octane goal-fests, making up for a vulnerable defense with relentless attacks.
Juventus represents their biggest challenge of the season. Juve can shut down an attack like none other. Look no further than their quarterfinal games against Barcelona for a case-in-point.
Juve thrashed Barca 3-0 in the first leg, and then applied the brakes in the second leg, forcing a 0-0 deadlock with arguably the most talented offensive club in the world. Very few teams can dictate the pace of a game like I Bianconeri, and I’m not sure if Monaco are prepared for it.
Having said that, Monaco have defied the odds time and time again this season. They’re currently leading Ligue 1 and may well end PSG’s four-year title reign. The key to their success has been 18-year-old Kylian Mbappé, who only made his professional debut last season. He’s routinely shredded opposing defenses throughout Monaco’s Champions League run.
He’ll have to contend with Juve’s two center halfs, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. Together, the Italian teammates lead one of the toughest backlines in world football. If Monaco are going to emerge victorious, they’ll need to find a way past them, something Neymar and Lio Messi weren’t able to do.
Monaco play some of the most exciting football in the world right now, but they’ve never come up against a defense like Juventus. If Juve are able to snatch the first goal, it’ll be lights out for Monaco at Stade Louis II.
Juventus (+138)
Don Aguero is a man of many talents, writing about nearly anything you can put odds to. Don has been writing for SportsBettingDime since 2015, covering sports, entertainment and politics. You name it, he's covered it! He is also a steadfast West Ham fan, and has learned to embrace that suffering.
