UEFA Champions League Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (3/5)

We’ve got some midweek action across Europe as the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 continues today. Yesterday brought us four great matches, so before we look at today’s best bets, let’s peek at yesterday’s results.

UCL Results (3/4)

• Club Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa
• Dortmund 1-1 Lille
• PSV 1-7 Arsenal
• Real Madrid 2-1 Atlético Madrid

Remember, matches today are the first leg of a two leg contest between the teams. There are no extra incentives for scoring on the road, and teams simply need to win on aggregate score to advance to the quarterfinals. Below are my best bets in the UCL today, but for our expert’s soccer picks, go to this page here!

Check out our 2024-2025 UCL Preview!

UEFA Champions League: Wednesday’s Soccer Action

Keep in mind lines are adjusted and as sharp as they can be. Matches today will only play 90 minutes, regardless of the result, with the possibility of extra time to break an aggregate tie next week.

Feyenoord Rotterdam vs Inter Milan Best Bets

Best Bets: Feyenoord/Inter Milan Under 2.5 (+101) BetOnline

For the best line on the market and some plus money, I’ll back the under in this match today. Inter Milan is clearly the better team here, but Feyenoord Rotterdam are on a bit of a Cinderella run this competition. I think that comes to a close this round against Inter, who pride themselves on having a great back line.

Inter allowed just 1 goal in the 8 league phase matches earlier in the UCL. They scored 11 of their own and catapulted their way to the Round of 16 by placing in the Top 8. Now they face a Rotterdam team that has a very leaky defense, but I don’t see the visitors being too aggressive in this first match.

Inter have not won on the road in their past three matches, but they’ve stayed under 2.5 in their last two, and last four overall. All eight of their league phase matches included just one team finding the back of the net. Inter Milan played to four 1-nil wins, a 1-nil loss, a scoreless draw, and then blew out Red Star Belgrade (4-0) and AS Monaco (3-0) at home. They aren’t known for letting things get out of hand, but rather have no problem holding teams scoreless. I will be on the under for a full unit, but will also sprinkle on Inter Milan/BTTS No (+160) for a little extra stake in the match.

Prediction: Inter Milan Wins 1-0 (+650)

Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen Best Bets

Heavy Lean: Under 3 (-150) BetOnline

These teams have played three times already this season.

• 9/28: 1-1 Draw @ Munich (Bundesliga)
• 12/3: 0-1 Leverkusen @ Munich (German Cup)
• 2/15: 0-0 Draw @ Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Now we are back in Munich for the 3rd time, as they look to beat their German rival for the first time since September of 2022. Personally, I want no part of this first leg. I am very excited to watch this matchup between the two squads, and as you can see, I lean with the under if you forced me to place a bet.

In rivalry games, defenses always show out. Especially in this one with much higher stakes than a regular league match. Munich being that heavy of a favorite makes my gut head in their direction, however looking at the value on Leverkusen, it’s hard not to sprinkle that way.

The point is, I can’t get a feel for this match, and will simply be rooting for some enjoyable soccer to watch.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+600)

Benfica vs Barcelona Best Bets

Best Bets: Barcelona 1H ML (+149) BetOnline

We saw a nine goal thriller between these two teams back in January in the league phase portion of the UCL, and now they face off for two more legs in the Round of 16. The match had nine total goals, but it was 3-1 Benfica just 30 minutes into the match. They did not successfully park the bus as Barcelona found an equalizer in the 86th minute and a winner in stoppage time. One would think that both defenses would make the correct adjustments needed before facing their foe a second time.

However, we see a high total already at 3.5 in this match, and even I don’t have the stones to take an under. Barcelona score 28 goals in their 8 league phase matches, while Benfica has been netting 2 per game this competition. On the flip side, the squads have allowed 15 and 13 goals respectively, and tonight I think we see some fireworks. Both teams to score is incredibly juiced as it’s priced at -240. Do I think that happens? Yes. But I am not willing to pay that juice.

I’ll back Barcelona to come out hot and win the first half. For starters, BetOnline is offering +149 while the rest of the market is stuck at +130 to +135. That’s at least 14 extra cents of value that I won’t be leaving on the board. Last time out, Barcelona allowed way too many early goals. That won’t happen again. They’ve shutout 3 of their L4 opponents, and have been great at scoring early.

Barcelona has netted 10 first half goals in their last six matches, scoring early in 5/6 and multiple goals early in half those matches. Give me the Spaniards to start off hot for a great price.

Prediction: Barcelona Wins 1H 1-0 (+340)

PSG vs Liverpool Best Bets

Best Bet: Liverpool Draw No Bet (+100) BetOnline

Do not be fooled, this PSG team is not that great. Let’s take a look at who they’ve had to play outside of the Ligue 1 this year.

PSG UCL Competition This Season

• 1-0 Win vs Girona
• 2-0 Loss @ Arsenal
• 1-1 Draw vs PSV
• 1-2 Loss vs Atlético
• 1-0 Loss @ Munich
• 0-3 Win @ Salzburg
• 4-2 Win vs Man City
• 1-4 Win @ Stuttgart
• 0-3 Win @ Brest
• 7-0 Win vs Brest

PSG lucked out with the scheduling in the UCL. They didn’t have to play too many tough teams, and when they did, they usually lost! Arsenal, Atlético, and Bayern Munich were all able to beat PSG when it mattered, and even PSV came into town and forced a draw. Disregard the win against Manchester City, because we know how bad they’ve been this season. The point is, PSG only excels against inferior competition.

Liverpool is arguably the best team in the world right now. They’ve essentially locked up the EPL Title, so their full focus will be on the Champions League. Liverpool would love to head back to Anfield next week with an aggregate lead, and I expect them to get that cushion tonight. Give me the English visitors to take down their French hosts. At even money with push potential for a draw, this is an auto-bet for me.

Prediction: Liverpool Wins 2-1 (+1000)

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