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With just 2 matchdays left in the Champions League, the margin for error is slim for teams aiming to secure a spot in the Round of 16 or the Europa League. Here’s a preview of some pivotal games, along with highlights of the betting offers available on **BetKing** . 


**Barcelona vs. FC Porto** 

With both teams currently tied at 9 points each, and Shakhtar Donetsk closely trailing behind with 6 points, there’s significant importance attached to this Group H clash. In their first meeting in Portugal, Barcelona emerged victorious, securing a win through a goal from Ferran Torres. However, the match was marred by a late red card for youngster Gavi. Unfortunately, Gavi suffered a torn ACL during the international break, sidelining for 8 months. 

FC Porto arrives in Spain in excellent form, having won 7 of their last 8 games across all competitions. Despite being 3rd in Liga Portugal, they haven’t been prolific in terms of scoring domestically, with only 15 goals netted in 11 league games. This goal tally is notably 8 fewer than both Benfica and Sporting, and 15 fewer than 4th place Braga. However, there is significant improvement in the Champions League, where they have a more potent attack. In the UCL, they have found the back of the net 9 times in 4 games, showcasing a different and more prolific scoring dynamic compared to their domestic league performances. The team’s ability to maintain this scoring form will be a key factor as they aim to secure a spot in the Round of 16.  

Barcelona, meanwhile, remained 4th in LaLiga following their draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. The Catalans trailed for close to an hour and had to rely on a late own goal by Florian Lejeune to secure a draw. Head Coach, Xavi has struggled to nail down a starting 11 that works seamlessly, though injury worries have made that harder than expected. Despite Barcelona’s inconsistencies, they’ve been impressive at home. Aside the loss to Real Madrid last month, they’ve won each of their 8 matches in front of their fans, and we expect them to keep this run going.  

**Betting Tips** 

● Barcelona to win 

● Both teams to score 

● Over 2.5 goals 

**Manchester City vs. RB Leipzig** 

As RB Leipzig gears up for this game, they find themselves once again preparing to contend with one of their worst nightmares - Erling Haaland. In the seven games they have faced the Norwegian striker, they have conceded 11 goals, with five of them coming in their last visit to the Etihad. Although they kept him off the scoresheet during their meeting on Matchday 2 back in Germany, they ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 defeat. Haaland continues to pose a significant challenge for RB Leipzig despite leaving Germany for England, and their upcoming clash will test their ability to contain the prolific goal-scorer. 

With qualification for the Round of 16 already secured, RB Leipzig approaches this game without a pressing sense of urgency. Despite a loss to Manchester City on MD2, they have won all three encounters against the other group members. However, it’s worth noting that the German side recently slipped out of the Top 4 in the Bundesliga following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wolfsburg. 

Manchester City, too, faced a setback on Saturday, dropping points to Liverpool and relinquishing their top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal. Erling Haaland opened the scoring for the Cityzens, notching his 50th goal in the EPL and becoming the fastest player to reach that milestone in just 48 games. Despite Haaland’s impressive feat, Trent Alexander-Arnold secured a late equalizer for Liverpool. Still drenched in the disappointment of not being able to see out the win to stay top of the EPL, we expect them to bounce back with a win in this game.  

 

**Betting Tips** 

● Erling Haaland anytime scorer 

● Manchester City to win 

● Over 2.5 Goals 

**AC Milan vs. Borussia Dortmund** 

Leading the table, Dortmund embarks on a journey to Italy to face Milan for the first time since 2002, fully aware that a victory could virtually guarantee their place in the Round of 16. Despite a somewhat shaky form in the Bundesliga, their performances in the Champions League have been efficient. Since their defeat to PSG on the opening matchday, they have looked better defensively, and have now kept three consecutive clean sheets in Europe. Their victories over Newcastle have propelled them to the top of the group, despite scoring just 3 goals over both games. The first meeting between them in Germany ended in a goalless draw, and given the recent tactical approaches of both teams, it appears we are headed for another low-scoring affair. 

Milan secured a hard-fought victory against Fiorentina on Saturday, maintaining their 3rd position on the Serie A standing. This 1-0 victory marked only their second win in the last seven games across all competitions and notably, their first clean sheet in that span. Unfortunately for the Italian giants, star player Rafael Leão will be sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The Portuguese winger, who scored in Milan’s 2-1 victory over PSG, sustained the injury just 10 minutes into the 2-2 draw at Leece before the international break, and there are concerns about his availability for the Matchday 6 trip to Newcastle as well. On a positive note, Olivier Giroud, another key contributor who found the scoresheet in the win over PSG, missed Saturday’s victory against Fiorentina due to suspension. The additional days of rest could prove helpful for the 37-year-old Frenchman, who has 8 goals and 3 assists in 15 games for Milan this season. Milan have only lost one of their last 16 home games in Europe to German sides (W11, D4). Coincidentally, their one defeat came against Dortmund in 2002. That said, our bet prediction is for them to maintain this streak.  

 

**Betting Tips** 

● Double Chance: Milan to win or draw

● Under 2.5 goals 

● Over 7.5 total corners 

**Arsenal vs. RC Lens** 

Thanks to a late Kai Havertz goal, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday in a game that saw them welcome back club captain Martin Ødegaard, while Gabriel Jesus returned to the starting lineup. The significance of this win cannot be overstated, especially since it marked Mikel Arteta’s 200th game in charge of the Gunners. The three hard-fought points propelled Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, capitalizing on Manchester City and Liverpool’s earlier draw. Meanwhile, RC Lens secured their own victory by beating Clermont Foot 3-0 on the road. RC Lens was the first team to defeat Arsenal this season with a 2-1 comeback win on Matchday 2, and they travel to North London with the knowledge that they can beat this Arsenal side. 

Arsenal has yet to secure a victory against Lens in the Champions League, having suffered two losses and managing only one draw—a trend that Mikel Arteta undoubtedly aims to end. The Arsenal head coach boasts an impressive home record in European competitions, having won 8, drawn 3, and lost just twice in 13 games. Notably, 6 of their last 7 matches at the Emirates have ended in victories for the Gunners. The team has been performing well in the Champions League, averaging 2.25 goals per game, with all 9 goals coming from open play. Considering their proficiency in set-play situations (in the Premier League), the Gunners are a team that could hurt opponents in many ways and Lens faces a tough night at the Emirates. 

 

**Betting Tips** 

● Arsenal to win 

● Over 1.5 Arsenal goals 

**Real Madrid vs. Napoli** 

Wednesday presents a golden moment for Napoli to secure a victory against Real Madrid. In their five previous encounters with the Spanish giants, they have suffered four losses and managed only one draw. However, the current circumstances might favor Napoli as Real Madrid grapples with a wave of injuries, sidelining up to nine first-team players, including Vinicius Jr, who will be out until the new year. It won’t be a straightforward task for them, though, seeing as Madrid have won all 4 games this campaign and are a different of type of dominant in the Champions League. 

 Napoli began the second Walter Mazzarri era with a 2-1 win over Atalanta. Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, who made a successful return to fitness, played a crucial role by providing a game-winning assist for Elif Elmas in the 79th minute. The team had already gained an advantage in the first half with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finding the back of the net, but Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman had pulled Atalanta level early in the second half. Having won away at Braga and Union Berlin earlier in the group, Mazzarri could help deliver a 3rd consecutive away win for the reigning Italian champions for the first time in Champions League history. 

Real Madrid boasts an impressive track record against Italian teams, having secured 15 victories and suffering only one loss in 16 meetings, including an outstanding nine consecutive wins. This remarkable winning streak stands as both the longest by one team against Italian clubs and Real Madrid’s lengthiest winning sequence against teams from a specific country. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, the team has been dominant at the Santiago Bernabéu, with 8 wins and a draw in 9 Champions League matches and four clean sheets in their last five home games. Despite facing challenges with an injury-ridden squad, the team’s historic success against Italian opponents and Ancelotti’s managerial superiority could play a critical role in ensuring Real Madrid avoids a defeat.  

 

**Betting Tips** 

● Double Chance: Real Madrid or draw 

● Under 3.5 goals 

● Under 1.5 Napoli goals 

**Bayern Munich vs. København** 

This game features the top 2 teams in Group A but, obviously, there is a gulf in class between top of the Group, Bayern and second placed, København. Bayern Munich stands among the elite trio, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, boasting a 100% record in the tournament. Summer signing, Harry Kane, has played a pivotal role in Bayern’s stellar performance, contributing four goals and two assists in the first four games. Kane continued his impressive form in Friday’s 1-0 victory against Koln, scoring the sole goal and taking his season tally to an outstanding 18 league goals in just 12 matches.  

København, meanwhile, had a key victory over Manchester United on Matchday 4 as they came from behind to secure a late 4-3 win over the Red Devils. On Matchday 2, they narrowly lost to Bayern in Denmark in a game that ended 1-2, thanks to goals from Jamal Musiala and Mathys Tel. It was the only time Harry Kane failed to score in this competition and they would have to work harder to replicate the defensive effort that kept the English captain off the scoresheet.  

Bayern Munich have lost just one of their last 21 home games in the Champions League and are expected to come out with 3 points in this game. However, it’s important to note that they are yet to keep a clean sheet in this season’s Champions League campaign with **both teams to score** proving to be a hit in their games. In fact, there has been just one clean sheet in this group which has been kept by Manchester United in their 1-0 win over København on Matchday 3. We believe this is an additional market our online sport betting community can find value in.  

 

**Betting Tips** 

● Harry Kane anytime scorer  

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With several exciting Champions' League games this week, what are your betting picks like? Check out our betting tips to inform your bet prediction now!

Betting Tips

Champions League: Matchday 5 Preview

● Barcelona to win

● Both teams to score

● Over 2.5 goals

● Erling Haaland anytime scorer

● Manchester City to win

● Over 2.5 Goals

● Double Chance: Milan to win or draw

● Under 2.5 goals

● Over 7.5 total corners

● Arsenal to win

● Over 2.5 goals

● Over 1.5 Arsenal goals

● Double Chance: Real Madrid or draw

● Under 3.5 goals

● Under 1.5 Napoli goals

● Harry Kane anytime scorer

● Both teams to score

● Over 2.5 goals