Champions League preview: Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea, Club Brugge vs Benfica
Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea
Dortmund are in very decent shape, with six wins on the bounce in all competitions. There’s also a feelgood story surrounding Sebastien Haller, who has returned from cancer treatment in defiant fashion, scoring against Freiburg just weeks after his comeback.
In Jude Bellingham, Dortmund have one of the most feted young midfielders in football, too.
It’s not like Chelsea are short of fine players, of course. But a recent blockbuster shopping spree hasn’t yet transformed the team’s fortunes. The Blues have drawn their last three matches, and enjoyed just two league wins in their last 13 outings.
Chelsea have won their last four Champions League ties, but those encounters came during Graham Potter’s honeymoon period; since then, the west London side’s struggles have seen Chelsea drop to ninth in the Prem.
That midtable mediocrity hardly suggests Chelsea can expect to dominate against Dortmund. Chelsea’s last away win came in October, against RB Salzburg; the Blues will struggle to repeat that feat against a side that have won their every game since the end of the German winter break.
Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Potter are friends, studying together for their pro coaching licences back in 2018. But while Potter may have enjoyed the more meteoric rise to the top, it would be no shock if Terzic outshines his pal on this occasion. Dortmund are 29/20 to win this encounter; on current form it looks a tempting bet.
Club Brugge vs Benfica
This clash between two of the lesser lights of the competition (these days, at least) might not be an attention-grabber on paper. But is it likely to provide fireworks on the pitch?
Brugge are managed by Scott Parker, and, well, the former Fulham and Bournemouth coach hasn’t exactly inspired the Belgian side to blow any bloody doors off just yet.
Parker has overseen just one win since joining the side – though only his opening game in charge ended in defeat. From seven matches in charge, it’s five draws to date; Brugge are currently fourth in the Belgian First Division A.
It’s not great for a side that finished champions in that competition in each of the last three seasons. Benfica are definitely in better nick; top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga, the side have lost one game all season, and have drawn just two of their ten Champions League encounters in this campaign.
That includes two wins over Juventus, plus a brace of draws with Paris Saint-Germain. Clearly, Roger Schmidt’s side are not to be underestimated; the Lisbon-based team haven’t even conceded a goal in their last four outings.
With Parker and his side underwhelming so far, there’s every chance the visitors can triumph at the Jan Breydelstadion. Backing Benfica at 17/20 looks a no-brainer…
To bet on a wide range of markets, visit 32Red Sport today. If you’re looking for a different kind of flutter, check out our 32Red Casino site. There’s plenty of slots and table games to keep you entertained!
