Ludogorets vs. Real Madrid Betting Preview and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
Real Madrid travel to Bulgaria on Wednesday to take on Champions League debutants Ludogorets (2:45 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net), with the European champions hoping to continue their excellent recent run.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have recorded four successive wins, scoring 20 goals in the process, and head to Sofia full of confidence.
Ludogorets, however, gave Liverpool a real scare on matchday one and will be ready to try and record a shock in the biggest game in their short history.
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook prices the hosts at 14-to-1 odds, while Madrid are offered at -575 and the draw can be backed at +650.
Laying a 2-goal spread, Madrid can be bet for more attractive odds of -135, while Ludogorets are offered at +2 goals (+115). The posted total the SuperBook is 3.5 goals (-110 either way).
Madrid will be led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has started the season in extraordinary fashion, becoming the first player in 50 years to net 10 La Liga goals after just six matches played.
His form is just one of the reasons that Madrid are such overwhelming favorites, with Los Blancos priced outside of Las Vegas at -225 odds to be winning at both half time and full time.
With the visitors such clear favorites, finding any value in the market is tricky, although the price of 17/20 (-117) for Madrid to be ahead at 30 minutes looks like a decent option for bettors.
This bet has paid out in three of Madrid's last four matches, with Ancelotti pleased with the intensity with which his side have been starting matches.
Should they make another high-tempo start on Wednesday, they should be far too strong for the Bulgarians and have every chance of taking an early lead.
Goal.com value bet: Real Madrid to lead at 30 minutes at 17/20 (-117)