Champions League Betting Picks & Predictions for Matchday 1
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge is palpable. Dortmund, coming off a strong run to the Champions League final last season, are considered the stronger team. Their recent form in the Bundesliga, where they have started the season with two wins and a draw, further cements their status as favorites. This early success can be attributed to their dominance in possession and their ability to create numerous scoring opportunities. The addition of key players such as Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton has bolstered their squad, making them a formidable force in European football. On the other hand, Club Brugge, after a shaky start to their season, have found their footing and won their last four games. However, their defense will be put to the test against Dortmund’s quick and lethal attacking players.
Despite playing at home in Bruges, Club Brugge will face an uphill battle. Dortmund’s attacking prowess, which is on a different level compared to what Brugge faces in the Belgian league, is expected to pose significant challenges. Dortmund’s fans are also known for their unwavering support, and many are likely to travel to Bruges, providing a morale boost for the away team. This match is particularly crucial for Club Brugge, who missed out on the Champions League last season. A strong performance here could set the tone for their campaign. With odds almost even, betting on Dortmund as the away favorite seems like a solid choice.
Another exciting fixture on Matchday 1 is between Bayer Leverkusen and Feyenoord. Leverkusen has been in fine form, scoring freely against tough opponents in their early season matches. However, they have also shown some defensive vulnerabilities, making this a potentially high-scoring affair. Feyenoord, too, has been impressive in front of goal, netting nine times in their first four league matches. The retention of their key striker, Santiago Gimenez, who was a target for Nottingham Forest during the transfer window, has been a significant boost. With both teams boasting strong attacking players, this match promises to be an exciting and goal-laden encounter.
Liverpool’s clash with AC Milan is another highlight of Matchday 1. Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool has started the season well, including a notable 3-0 victory against Manchester United. AC Milan, meanwhile, has had a mixed start but managed a clean sheet in their last match against Venezia. This encounter will not be easy for Milan, as Liverpool boasts a strong and talented squad. The tactical battle between the two managers will be fascinating to watch, with both teams looking to make a statement in their Champions League opener.
Bayern Munich is heavily favored in their Champions League opener against Dinamo Zagreb. With Harry Kane, Europe’s top scorer last season, leading the line, Bayern is expected to dominate. Zagreb, while a strong team in their own right, will face a daunting task against a Bayern side that had a strong showing in the Champions League two seasons ago. Bayern’s experience and firepower make them clear favorites, and fans will be eager to see how Kane performs on this stage.
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In the preview of the match between Club Brugge and Borussia Dortmund, several key points stand out. Borussia Dortmund, last year’s runners-up, are starting their new season with the ambition of winning back the Champions League trophy. They will be playing against Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium. Despite coming close to winning the Champions League last year, Dortmund ultimately lost to Real Madrid in the final. Led by Dortmund fan Edin Terzic, the team finished at the top of the ‘group of death’ and beat teams like PSG and Atletico Madrid. Their successful run in Europe was not mirrored in their domestic league, where they finished fifth, their worst performance since 2015.
Dortmund’s strong showing in the Champions League last season helped Germany earn five automatic places in the next tournament. Edin Terzic, at 36 years old, is the youngest coach in this year’s Champions League. He has an unbeaten record so far, with Dortmund winning two games and drawing one under his leadership. This is the third time Dortmund and Club Brugge have faced each other in the last seven seasons. Dortmund have won four out of their six meetings with Brugge. The German team has also won their last four games in Belgium without conceding a goal. Club Brugge are competing in the Champions League for the sixth time in seven seasons. They missed out on qualification last year but reached the knockout phase the year before, where they were defeated by Benfica.
This year, Club Brugge faces tough competition from teams like AC Milan and Manchester City. With eight points needed for a spot in the playoffs, they have a lot to play for. They had a successful run in the Europa Conference League last season, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Fiorentina. Brugge also had a strong showing in their domestic league last season, winning the Belgian Pro League for the 19th time. Their coach, Nicky Hayen, who took over as interim coach during the summer, was recently made the permanent coach. Both teams have key players back from injury and will be fielding a strong line-up for Wednesday’s match.
Borussia Dortmund’s journey to this point has been marked by significant changes. The team has undergone a major rebuild this summer, with changes in both coaching and players. Former Dortmund player Nuri Sahin has been promoted to head coach. Despite a strong run in the Champions League last season, their performance in the Bundesliga was disappointing. Rivals Bayer Leverkusen broke Bayern Munich’s 11-year title streak, adding to Dortmund’s frustration. A summer rebuild was necessary, with changes in coaching and squad. Local knowledge has been heavily relied upon in the rebuild. Dortmund-born coach Edin Terzic was let go, despite taking the team close to a Bundesliga title.
Nuri Sahin, a former player for Dortmund, Real Madrid, and Liverpool, has taken over as head coach. Several players, including strikers Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen, have left the club. Veteran players Marco Reus and Mats Hummels are no longer with the team. Former Dortmund player Lars Ricken has been made head of the sporting department. The team is now overseen by sporting director Sebastian Kehl and long-time scout Sven Mislintat. New players, including striker Serhou Guirassy and center-back Waldemar Anton, have been signed. Maximilian Beier and Pascal Gross have also joined the team. The club has reduced the squad size to give more opportunities to young players. The arrival of Guirassy led to the departure of fan-favorite striker Niclas Fuellkrug. Dortmund has adopted a similar governing structure to Bayern Munich. The team has started this Bundesliga season strong with 7 points from 3 games. Dortmund’s first Champions League test will be against Belgian champions Club Brugge.