Real Madrid vs. Schalke Odds and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
This was supposed to be a straightforward game for Real Madrid. Having claimed a 2-0 success over Schalke in Germany in the first leg three weeks ago, the reigning European champions had, in theory, a simple-looking task in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Yet since that win, things have taken a turn for the worse domestically for the Blancos, with a draw and a defeat seeing their four-point advantage over Barcelona at the top of the table turn into a one-point deficit.
The team has looked lackluster and the fans are not happy, meaning the atmosphere at the Bernabeu on Tuesday (2:45 p.m ET, Fox Sports 1) might be a little strained.
Schalke, meanwhile, come into the game having suffered the ignominy of losing their derby to Borussia Dortmund 3-0 -- a damaging result in terms of their confidence -- although they got back to winning ways at the weekend against Hoffenheim.
Nobody really expects Schalke to get a result in the Spanish capital so perhaps the fact that they can play free of any pressure may serve their purpose on Tuesday.
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has Madrid as a two-goal favorite at -105. You can also choose a 3-way result for Schalke +1475, Draw +600 and Real Madrid -550.
The game could see the long-awaited return from injury for Luka Modric and Madrid have badly missed the Croatian in the center of midfield. Whether or not he starts the game remains to be seen, but his participation at some level should serve to galvanize los Blancos.
Whether Modric starts or not, the home side will be desperate to put in the kind of performance the could even temporarily lift some of the mounting pressure, and Madrid's home record in the Champions League is supremely strong.
Madrid have won each of their last 11 home games in the competition and are unbeaten at the Bernabeu in Europe since April 2011.
Yet it is not just about the win, but doing so with a bit of style and the odds of +120 for a home win and OVER 3.5 goals in the game looks solid. This bet has paid out in four of Madrid's last seven home Champions League game including when the sides met at this stage last season and should have a good chance of doing so again.
While this prop is not offered in Las Vegas, bettors can play a Madrid-to-OVER parlay for an even better price. OVER 3.5 goals is offered at +115 at the SuperBook, and a Madrid-to-OVER parlay pays about +150.
Goal.com best bet: Real Madrid to win and OVER 3.5 goals (parlay pays +150)