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UCL Odds: Can You Trust Real Madrid vs Desperate Dortmund?

Don Aguero

by Don Aguero in Soccer News

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:38 AM PST

Photo credit: Reuben Ortega (Flickr) CC License

Dortmund (+263) vs Real Madrid (+105), Draw (+300)

In a pivotal match for the German side, Dortmund (0-0-1) will host Real Madrid (1-0-0) in the second set of Champions League fixtures next Tuesday (September 26th). Dortmund need points after an unlucky loss against Tottenham in their first match. With Real Madrid, Spurs, and Dortmund locked together in Group H — the so-called “Group of Death” — every game and every point is crucial.

The 3-1 scoreline against Tottenham last week doesn’t accurately reflect what transpired at Wembley Stadium. Dortmund controlled large portions of the match and dominated possession throughout. A few near misses and a dodgy offside ruling denied them a draw, or even possibly a win, and in the end they left empty-handed.

Heung-Min Son drew first blood for Tottenham in just the fourth minute with a terrific opening goal, and Dortmund responded shortly after with an equally stunning equalizer in the 11th. Harry Kane put Spurs ahead once again in the 15th and then sealed the three points with a brace in the 60th.

Prior to Kane’s second tally, a legitimate goal by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was ruled offside, denying Dortmund the equalizer.

Despite the loss, Dortmund played quite well. Even with crucial players like Marco Reus, Raphaël Guerreiro, and Marcel Schmelzer all out injured, they are still able to field an incredibly strong team.

 

 

In the other Group H game, Real Madrid dismantled Cypriot club APOEL FC, 3-0, as expected. The defending champions are again the favorites to win in 2017-18, which would mark their third straight Champions League title. However, Los Blancos haven’t had the most convincing start to the domestic season. They’re currently in fourth-place after back-to-back draws against Valencia and Levante. It’s not a terrible start to the season, but they’re already four points below Barcelona who lead La Liga with a 12 points and a perfect 4-0-0 record.

Dortmund and Real Madrid found themselves in the same Champions League group last season, and both of their matches ended in a 2-2 draw. Real Madrid are, nonetheless, the favorites to win on Tuesday, sitting at around even money at the major sportsbooks. With youngsters like Marco Asensio and Borja Mayoral improving by the day and one of the deepest rosters in the world, it’s scary to think that Real Madrid could be getting even better.

Pick: Real Madrid (+105)

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