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Real Madrid has to go for it on Wednesday afternoon against Arsenal.
Los Blancos were stunned, 3-0, in the opening leg of their quarterfinal with the Gunners, and they are now required to at least make up that difference if they want to defend their Champions League crown.
Real Madrid is known for its magic in the Champions League, but this is a massive mountain to climb.
The Spanish giants are a -150 favorite to win Wednesday’s match on the three-way moneyline, but they’re all the way out at +590 to advance to the semifinals.
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Real Madrid vs. Arsenal betting preview
The pre-match odds for the first leg of this fixture looked too wide, and the match backed up that notion.
Arsenal has had its issues in the Premier League this season, but the Gunners’ statistical profile remains elite. This is one of the best teams in the world, but they weren’t being priced that way before the first leg.
You’d think that the Gunners would earn a little bit more respect for the return leg, but it seems like bettors are instead leaning into the situational spot for this contest.
Real Madrid needs to win by at least three goals to stay alive after 90 minutes, so punters are naturally flocking to the 15-time champions on the moneyline.
Real Madrid vs. Arsenal pick
The logic behind the bet makes some sense, but it totally discounts how well this Arsenal team sets up for this kind of situation.
Arsenal has been one of the best defensive clubs in the world for a number of years, and should relish the opportunity to defend a three-goal lead at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
An aggressive approach from Real Madrid will play right into Arsenal’s hands, and I like the price on the Gunners getting the job done in Spain on Wednesday afternoon.
The Play: Arsenal +390 (BetMGM)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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