Opta Big Match Stats: Lewandowski is Dortmund's ace

 

Using those all-knowing Opta stats, Christian Crowther offers three bets to go with Wednesday's Champions League semi-final clash...

 

Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid (Wednesday, 19:45, Sky Sports 2)

 

Dortmund have won all five of their home games in the Champions League this season (10 goals for, three against)

Of course this match-up represents the third meeting between these clubs in this year's Champions League. Borussia Dortmund certainly had the upper hand in those early  exchanges, taking four points off the nine-time champions of Europe in Group D. Still the only unbeaten team left in the last four, Dortmund's 2-1 victory over Real  Madrid at Westfalenstadion has been typical of the dominant form they have shown at home, helping facilitate their path to the latter stages. An eighth straight home  win in all competitions seems all the more possible when you consider that Real Madrid have lost their last five away games in Germany in European competition.

Recommended Bet: Back Dortmund to win @ 2.92

 

Real Madrid's games have produced 37 goals (23 for, 14 against), the most in the Champions League this season

Games involving Real Madrid are seldom dull affairs. The Spaniards have actually scored in their last 17 Champions League away games but, at the same time, they have  not mustered a single clean sheet away from the Bernabeu in this year's tournament, typified by the three conceded against Galatasaray in the quarters. Both club's  last Champions League run-outs saw the 4.5 goals barrier breached, while Madrid have warmed up for this game by racking up six goals in their last two La Liga games.  Meanwhile, Dortmund have averaged three goals per game in their last three home games across all competitions, which should be a recipe for goals.

Recommended Bet: Back Over 3.5 goals @ 2.8

 

Robert Lewandowski has been directly involved in 42% of Dortmund's goals in the Champions League this season, eight out of 19 (six goals, two assists)

With the news of Mario Gotze's impending switch to their biggest rivals Bayern Munich, it's imperative that Dortmund hang on to their top scorer Lewandowski in the  summer. With the likes of Bayern and Manchester United sniffing around the Pole, this may be easier said than done though. Nevertheless, for now at least, the 31-goal  striker is primed to be the hosts' main threat in this game at Westfalenstadion, and over this semi-final tie. Eight goals in his last eight club games - including  four in his last four starts - would imply that he's got his sights well adjusted ahead of Madrid's visit.

Best Bet: Back Robert Lewandowski to score @ 2.74

 

Bet HERE

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