CL Best Bets - Tuesday

Champions League | Future Odds

UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals - Second Legs

Tuesday, Apr. 16
Games scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET

Barcelona vs. Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer capped off the most famous comeback in European history at the Nou Camp 20 years ago when Manchester United scored twice in injury time to win the European Cup, but it is unlikely that there will be any such comeback here.

United looked good in patches against Barcelona. But while Barcelona were far off their best, they managed to restrict United to zero shots on target while scoring once themselves. If that was a good performance from United, it shows just how far they have fallen since that night in 1999.

United are 9/1 to qualify and 8/1 to win the match. Any win would take them through apart from a 1-0 which would take the game to extra time. If they score first, it is very possible.

But their results have exceeded their performances under Solskjaer, and the inevitable swing back to the mean has occurred right after the Norwegian was given the United job on a permanent basis.

Even if Barcelona go 2-0 up, United will not give up. They will chase the game until the end, and this could mean plenty of space in behind for Barcelona to attack into late in the game. Forget the PSG game and a final 20 years ago - Barcelona could win this very easily.

Tip: Barcelona -1.5 at 1/1
Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Manchester United

Juventus vs. Ajax

Juventus are sauntering towards their eighth successive Serie A title, but Massimiliano Allegri’s side know that they will be judged on their performance in the Champions League, a tournament that has evaded them since 1996. Ajax, meanwhile, have massively exceeded expectations just by being at this stage, and Erik ten Hag’s men were good value for their 1-1 draw in Amsterdam in the first leg.

However Juventus came back from far worse to overcome Atletico Madrid in the last 16. They won 3-0 having lost 2-0 in Madrid.

This match recalls the semi-final between Juventus and Monaco - another very young, talented team that far exceeded their expectations. On that occasion, Juventus swept the upstarts aside 4-1 on aggregate.

Juventus are experts at getting the job done. They will respect Ajax’s ability and play cautiously, not allowing the Dutch side’s front four any chance to break in behind.

It is a tight betting contest with Juventus 2/5 to qualify and Ajax 7/4, but the away goal means Juventus look slightly better value.

Tip: Juventus to win at 8/11
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Ajax