19th April 2016 Kickoff: 1945hrs Monaco v Borussia Dortmund – Europe – Champions League Football took a back seat in Germany last week as Borussia Dortmund’s team bus was the target for multiple explosions shortly before they were due to play Monaco in the first leg. Fortunately nobody was seriously hurt and whilst the match never went ahead as scheduled, the decision to play it less than 24 hours after the incident took play was a controversial one to say the least. The Dortmund team were visibly – and understandably – shaken by events and Monaco were able to establish a slender lead coming into the return. We can only hope that the football of these two wonderfully entertaining team takes centre stage on Wednesday.
Monaco were also put in a difficult position last week but they were not affected nearly as much by the incident that occurred. It allowed them to approach the game in a better frame of mind and it showed, particularly in the second half, where they took a two goal lead. It could have been even better as well had Fabinho managed to convert his penalty but if you had offered Leonardo Jardim a 3-2 win in Dortmund before the game he would have bitten your hand off. It puts the team from the principality in a great position to reach their first semi final in this competition since 2004 – the year they finished runners up to Porto. Confidence will be further increased by the fact that their home record in the Champions League is bettered only by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern in terms of percentages as Monaco have been successful in 21 of their 30 home games.
There has been a lot of fallout with Dortmund – both internally and externally – following the decision to play the first leg tie when they did. Thomas Tuchel was most vocal in the aftermath of the game, stating he felt that the authorities had let his players down having had to endure such a traumatic experience. That was also aimed at his own board but the whole club simply have to find away to unite and attempt to become the first team to overturn a 3-2 home defeat in the first leg of a Champions League knockout stage. The Germans were able to get themselves in a better frame of mind to win 3-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga at the weekend and you hope they can do themselves justice in Monte Carlo. Marco Reus scored in that game and he will be another welcome addition to the ranks for this one.
Monaco v Borussia Dortmund Betting Tips
The first leg did produce the sort of entertainment many predicted but anybody who follows football will be hoping that tomorrow’s game is an occasion which sees two teams at the top of their game. Monaco have a big advantage with the three away goals and it leaves the visitors knowing they need to score at least twice if they are to progress. That is certainly not beyond a team with the firepower Dortmund have but they also have to defend a lot better otherwise Monaco will fancy themselves to score a couple more of their own.
Dortmund are favoured to win the game which is understandable as their need is greater and are still seen as being a higher rated team than their opponents. Monaco’s home record is such that I am not keen to take them on, instead I think it’s another game that screams goals and advise over three goals. You can back this bet with William Hill at bigger odds than a lot of firms have over 3.5 goals available, so there’s a touch of value to be had.
Over three goals 10/11 @ William Hill
