Bayern Munich really didn't get any favors from the draw in the Champions League. Juventus was certainly the toughest of the potential first round foes for the group winners, and there was a ton of proof of just how competitive these teams are when the squads drew 2-2 on Italian soil two weeks ago. The Bavarian giants are still favored to get through to the next round, but this could be touch and go against the Old Lady on Wednesday.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Bayern Munich -225
Juventus +705
Draw +345
Over/Under 2.5 (over -130)
ODDS ANALYSIS
The good news for Bayern Munich is that it picked up a pair of away goals two weeks ago, and that makes it so a draw isn't going to be good enough for Juventus unless it scores at least twice at the Allianz, something that hardly anyone has been able to do all year long.
Of course, beating Bayern here on the road isn't an easy task either. Sure, the Reds are still favored by a full goal on the Asian Handicap and a -225 mark on the moneyline, but a draw will likely suffice to send them through.
The total of this match is a little higher than it was at Juve a couple weeks ago at 2.5 and -130 vig on the over, though that's all a bit understandable knowing that this is the second leg of the competition, and Juventus is going to have to go all out for goals, which could leave it vulnerable at the back.
THE FIRST MEETING
The fact of the matter is that Juve shouldn't even still be in the discussion at this point. The Old Lady fell behind at home by a 2-0 margin against Bayern in the first leg, as Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben found the back of the net on either side of the intermission in deserving goals for the Germans.
It really looked as though Juve was going to be lifeless from there, but it got a second chance at life in the 63rd minute when Paulo Dybala fired one home completely against the run of play. That gave the Italians the motivation they needed to grab a second, as substitute Stefano Sturaro scored to level the proceedings.
The crowd at Juventus stadium was completely silent for the first hour or so, but after the first home goal, the last half hour ended up being an out and out war. Juve will likely end up ruing the fact that it never found a third, though.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's not impossible with Bayern, I agree, but they are still one of the favorites to win the Champions League. Even if they've not been winning recently, that doesn't mean they're not on great shape – they've still been creating lots of chances. We must not turn the Champions league into an obsession. It has to remain just a dream. We've got to try to pull off a coup in Munich, and that's not going to be easy." – Juventus manager Massimilano Allegri on the task at home at the Allianz this Wednesday
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The words from the Bianconeri manager probably ring true. This is probably too tall of a task for Juve, and they really need to focus more on the task at hand in Serie A than in Munich.
Juventus is going to have to play the defensive game of its life in this one, and we just don't see that happening. For as talented as Patrice Evra, Andrea Barzagli and most certainly keeper, Gianluigi Buffon are, Bayern still did everything it wanted to do offensively on the road at Juventus Stadium, and there's no reason to think that it won't do similar here at home. This time though, Juve won't have the answers to respond after falling behind when the raucous crowd at the Allianz is up against it.
Bayern Munich 2, Juventus 0
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BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Bayern Munich and Juventus will take place on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 3:45 p.m. at Allianz Arena. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 2.
