Real Madrid CF V FC Bayern Munich
UEFA Champions League: Semifinals, Leg 2 (2-1 agg)
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 2:45PM EST FS1
The first of two mammoth matches for Real Madrid, Los Blancos host the Bavarians in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. More than pride and bragging rights are at stake in this game, it’s the right to play in the UCL final come month’s end. With the Galaticos leading 2-1 through 90 minutes, they are clear favorites to advance according to ESPN’s SPI. However, lets not sleep on Bayern. Remember folks, last season we saw FC Hollywood lose 2-1 at home in the first leg to Real and then win the second leg at the Bernabeu 2-1, ultimately losing the tie in controversial fashion during extra time. In addition, Real seems to be playing much better on the road than inside their beloved White House this season. This year, we’ve seen them dropping points/games to countless Spanish opposition, not to mention when they drew in the UCL against Tottenham Hotspur and lost to Juventus, so why not Bayern this go round?
LSB Prediction: The White House will be rocking later today in Spain’s capitol as Real attempt to close out the tie against Bayern and clinch a third consecutive UCL final berth. Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly be involved early and often for Los Blancos, as the Galaticos will look to KO the Bavarians in the opening half, however they’ll only score once. Robert Lewandowski will have his say before things get truly out of hand, as he’ll head home a cross to level things at 1-1 on the day, and bring Bayern back to 3-2 on aggregate, supplying intrigue into the tie once again. In the end though, Bayern’s banged up squad, featuring a just returned David Alaba, and an Xl missing Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben, and Jeremy Boetang, will succumb to the All-White’s defensive pressure, pace, and offensive potency as Madrid strike for two late goals and storm into the UCL final for the fourth time in five years. 3-1 Real Madrid CF (5-2 on aggregate)
FC Barcelona V Real Madrid CF
El Clasico
La Liga Santander: Matchday 35
Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia
Sunday, May 6th, 2018 2:45PM EST beIN SPORTS
After dispatching the Bavarians at mid-week, the Galaticos will be riding a wave of exhilarating emotion into the Camp Nou on Sunday as they’ll now have to play their eternal rivals of FC Barcelona. A sense of invincibility will be in the air for both clubs. Barca have literally not lost through 34 La Liga match-days this season, meanwhile Madrid just advanced to the UCL final…again. Thus, it’ll be a clash of the titans as always between Spain and Europe’s best, it’s El Clasico! The war of words have been brewing for week’s now, mainly surrounding the traditional pasillo. Zidane has stated on multiple occasions that he will not have his Los Blancos squad perform the guard of honor for the Catalan hosts, who were crowned La Liga champions last Sunday with still four match-days to go. Just more fuel to the fire for a game that will have tempers flailing, perhaps even before the opening whistle. In addition, the 99,000 seat Camp Nou crowd will assuredly be the loudest its been all season long. It’ll be an electric atmosphere providing Barca with a 12th or even 13th man, not that they'll even need it based on their performance thus far this season.
LSB Prediction: One would think that Barca’s magical unbeaten run will end before the season is through, and a match against in-form rival Real seems like a good bet for the end of that streak, however, the game is being played at the Camp Nou, and it will be the first match for Barca in front of their home fans since winning their 7th La Liga title in 10 years. Couple that with the fact that Madrid, whilst having four days since beating Bayern, will have emptied their tank to ensure clinching a UCL final berth. Also, with Madrid’s expected act of disrespect to not honor Barca’s achievement of winning the league, I foresee this being a magisterial night for Futbol Club Barcelona and Cules worldwide. Barca beat Los Merengeus 3-0 at the Bernabeu earlier this season, I see no reason why a repeat scoreline isn’t out of the question. Leo Messi carves Madrid to shreds as Barca romp Real in Iniesta’s final Clasico! 3-0 FC Barcelona