Opta Big Match Stats: Ronaldo brace to give false hope

30Apr 2013

Bajnokok Ligája

Armed with Opta's finest stats, Christian Crowther gives the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu the 'Big Match' treatment...

Four of Dortmund's five away games in the Champions League this season have ended in a draw

If Real Madrid are to make an appearance at Wembley next month then they must reproduce a feat only ever achieved once in the history of the Champions League. The last and only team to overturn a 4-1 deficit from the first leg were fellow Spaniards Deportivo when they managed to hit four without reply against AC Milan back in 2003/04. Judging by the Borussia Dortmund's form in the competition so far, any such result looks to be beyond even a fully fired up Spanish side, as no-one has managed to beat the Germans home or away thus far. Jurgen Klopp's side are sure to face long periods of pressure but they have proved beyond doubt over three meetings that they are capable of at least a draw.

Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 4.5

Real Madrid's games have produced 42 goals (24 for, 18 against), the most in the Champions League this season

If only Real could defend with as much fervour as they attack, then Jose Mourinho's side would almost certainly have a better than remote chance of making a final appearance. The seven goals that the hosts conceded in their last two European matches reveals a real weakness at the back, which looks like serving them their Champions League notice. Los Blancos have incurred no problems scoring and winning at the Bernabeu in Europe under their Portuguese boss though, racking up 14 victories from 17 games and by a margin of at least three clear goals on ten occasions. All three encounters between these sides this season sailed passed the 2.5 goals mark, including the 2-2 draw in Spain. Anything other than another goal-heavy contest feels unlikely.

Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 goals @ 2.1

Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 12 goals. It beats his previous best tally in the competition (10 goals in 2011/12)

There are few literary stones left unturned when it comes to describing the remarkable exploits of Real Madrid's number seven Cristiano Ronaldo. Being hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as the ultimate Galatico, better than all-time greats Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo, just about sums up the goal-plundering Portuguese better than most could. His goal, of course, is the one which gives Madridistas a sniff of a prayer in this tie and Ronaldo is the man who can give them more hope, however false, at the Bernabeu. Eight goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions - including two consecutive braces earlier this month - makes Ronaldo the standout candidate once more.