The Champions League semi-final first legs didn’t disappoint and it was very much first blood to Germany.
Spain’s Big Two have a mountain to climb if either is to reach Wembley to contest the showpiece and first up Real Madrid try to overturn a three-goal deficit against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
It was all Dortmund six days ago in the 4-1 romp and Real will be grateful for Cristiano Ronaldo’s away goal that gives them some hope of advancing.
Jose Mourinho’s star man struck just before half time to bring the sides level but it was an equaliser the visitors didn’t deserve and Robert Lewandowski soon swung the tie back in favour of the 1997 winners.
The Polish striker was irresistible on the night and his four strikes have put his side firmly in the driving seat.
This will be the fourth time this pair have met in the Champions League this term and it is the Bundesliga team that have had the upper hand on each occasion, winning twice and sharing four goals in the Bernabeu in the group stage.
Dortmund remain unbeaten in Europe all season and, while I’ve enormous respect for tonight’s hosts, the odds take some fathoming.
I simply can’t be going anywhere near a side at 1.60 that has just been thrashed by the same opponents, even allowing for their undoubted class, not to mention home advantage, and I want to be with Jurgen Klopp’s team on the handicap.
Real’s defending in this competition this term has been ordinary, at best, and I can’t see them keeping a clean sheet in the capital.
That scenario doesn’t necessarily mean Klopp’s men are assured of their place in London next month but their experience of playing here earlier in the campaign is a huge bonus and Dortmund have nothing to fear.
2pts Back Borussia Dortmund (+1.00 Asian Handicap, vs. Real Madrid) @ 1.87 (Ladbrokes)