Quarter-final re-encounters in the Champions League and Europa League Leagues: Are German teams triumphant?
This week marks the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, with two German teams, Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern, still in the mix. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen is in the Europa League's quarter-finals, having maintained a strong position following the first leg. We provide a recap of the matches and critical sports betting info.
Dortmund aims to reverse deficit against Atlético
Dortmund suffered a 1:2 loss in the first leg against Atlético Madrid and must now overcome a 2-1 disadvantage against the Spaniards. The match takes place today at 9 PM at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund alumnus and current official, Sebastian Kehl, 44, exudes confidence:
We'll need that outside energy to pull this off. I have no doubt that we can do it.– Sebastian Kehl, official, Borussia Dortmund, inFranken
Dortmund's performance this season has been inconsistent. Edin Terzic, 41, the team's coach, with the group currently sitting fifth in the Bundesliga, is locked in a battle with RB Leipzig for the fourth spot. The team that secures the fourth position will compete in the Champions League next season.
In the DFB-Pokal, the Borussians were knocked out in the round of 16, losing 0:2 to VfB Stuttgart. This result fell short of the team's expectations for the current campaign.
However, bookmakers remain optimistic about Borussia Dortmund in the first leg against Atlético Madrid:
- Victory for Borussia Dortmund: 2.2
- Draw: 3.6
- Victory for Atlético Madrid: 3
Intense rivalry between Bayern and Arsenal
While Dortmund must overcome a deficit, Bayern and Arsenal shared a 2:2 result in the first leg. Coach Thomas Tuchel, 50, expressed satisfaction post-match:
The German champions must now defeat the Gunners at home on April 17, at 9 PM. The close-knit match between the two teams was already evident in the previous outing.
Bayern's objective for the 2023/2024 season is to win the Champions League, as they lost their 11-year title streak to Bayer Leverkusen. The Werkself secured the title last week.
In addition to losing the championship, Bayern was also eliminated in the DFB-Pokal, losing 1:2 to FC Saarbrücken in the second round.
Bookmakers expect a tight match once more:
- Victory for FC Bayern: 2.3
- Draw: 3.7
- Victory for FC Arsenal: 2.8
Potential semi-final matchups
The draw for the quarter-finals also featured the potential matchups for the Champions League and Europa League semi-finals. The following contests are possible in the Champions League semi-finals:
- Atlético Madrid or Borussia Dortmund – Paris Saint-Germain or FC Barcelona
- FC Arsenal or FC Bayern – Real Madrid or Manchester City
The Champions League final will be held on June 1 at the Wembley Stadium in London. If German teams progress, a German final in the Champions League could ensue, similar to 2013, when Bayern defeated Dortmund 2:1.
The potential pairings for the Europa League semi-finals are also set:
- Benfica or Olympique Marseille – Liverpool FC or Atalanta Bergamo
- AC Milan or AS Roma – Bayer Leverkusen or West Ham United
The Europa League final will take place on May 22nd at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Leverkusen travels to London as champions
While German clubs are facing challenges in the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen is in promising form. Coach Xabi Alonso's, 42, side clinched a 2:0 victory in the first leg against West Ham United. In the return leg on April 18th at 9 PM, Leverkusen has a good chance of progressing to the semi-finals.
Securing the championship title this weekend should boost the team's spirits. Bayer Leverkusen become the first team ever to win the title without a single loss in the Bundesliga. Fans are also hoping for a 'small triple': the club could win the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the Europa League.
Instagram post shared by Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball)
Bookmakers expect Bayer Leverkusen to emerge victorious in the return leg against West Ham:
- Win for Bayer Leverkusen: 1.93
- Draw: 3.7
- Win for West Ham United: 3.7
It remains to be seen how German teams will fare in international competitions and if a German team will make it to the final.
The latest news in German football sees Borussia Dortmund aiming to reverse their 2-1 deficit against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, taking place today at 9 PM. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Arsenal were tied 2-2 in the first leg and will face off on April 17, also at 9 PM. These matches are crucial in determining which teams will secure a spot in the Champions League semi-finals.
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