2022 Champions League Picks: Who Has Edge in Real Madrid vs. PSG?

Eric Uribe
By , Updated on: Feb 17, 2022 12:00 AM
2022 Champions League Picks: Who Has Edge in Real Madrid vs. PSG?

It doesn't get much better in the world of online soccer betting than surfing through the latest 2022 betting odds on the Champions League and singling out your best picks. And it just so happens that's why we're here right now.

Our fresh batch of 2022 Champions League picks will offer predictions for the five biggest upcoming matches already on the schedule, beginning Tuesday, February 22. But we will be paying especially close attention to the showdown between Real Madrid and PSG, on March 9, which is bound to be a battle for the ages. Of course, before we get started, it's imperative we go over the latest Champions League betting odds for all five of the meetings we are set to tackle:

Match DateFavoriteBetOnlineBetOnlineUnderdog
2/22/22Chelsea-300+900Lille
2/22/22Villarreal+170+180Juventus
2/23/22Ajax-110+315Benfica
2/23/22Atletico Madrid+140+225Manchester United
3/9/22Real Madrid+150+160PSG

With days or, in some cases, weeks separating us from each of these tilts, make sure you're double-checking all betting odds on the Champions League for accuracy. Soccer betting lines are always subject to change right up until the first whistle. And just so you know, our 2022 odds on the Championship League are currently entering Thursday, February 17. Any Champions League picks made thereafter will definitely demand you confirm that the lines haven't shifted.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we recommend studying up on our reviews of the top online sportsbooks prior to placing any wagers. These in-depth evaluations can help you find the best betting sites for Champions League soccer in 2022.

Can PSG Beat Real Madrid Again?

After winning four Champions League titles between 2014 and 2018, including three straight, Real Madrid has slipped off their game over the past few years. And their struggles, relative to their own sky-high standards, have continued into this season.

Not only has Real Madrid's offense been middle of the road when it comes to total goals (14), but they've failed to show real versatility in their attack. They have not done a good enough job getting to the inside area around the net or teeing up one-timers and headers near the posts. This has left them incredibly reliant on registering scores from further away; nearly 50 percent of all their goals have needed to come from the outside area.

This tends to happen when you're so reliant upon one goal-scorer, as Real Madrid is with Benzema. Vinicius Junior has provided some relief but not enough. Without a playmaking jump from someone on the supporting cast, Real Madrid seems destined for another disappointing finish.

However, even with these concerns in mind, we don't quite get the odds for this match. Real Madrid should be the clear favorite, not what is technically a co-underdog opposite PSG, with both squads paying out better than even money. For all Real Madrid's struggles, their offensive attack includes slightly more interior passing and shot-making than PSG's rotation.

OSB Prediction: Real Madrid (+150)

Real Madrid To beat PSG
BetOnline
+150

Juventus Should Sneak Past Villarreal

While we understand why Villareal is laying slightly better odds against Juventus, we're ultimately inclined to go with the upset. Though Juventus has plenty of trouble converting on offense from pretty much everywhere on the pitch, they are far more aggressive than their counterpart. They have tallied more than 280 attacks on the season compared to Villarreal's 214.

Granted, volume isn't everything. But it does equate to opportunity. And with Villarreal so dependent upon Danjuma to carry its ball-handling and overall scoring, their opportunities stand to be of a lower quality than the ones we'll see from Juventus.

OSB Prediction: Juventus (+180)

Juventus To beat Villarreal
BetOnline
+180

Chelsea May Just Shut Out Lille

Go ahead and stick a fork in Lille. They're already done.

Few teams are as lethal on the offensive as this season's Chelsea squad. Not only are they third in total attacks, behind just Manchester City and Bayern, but they've needed only 67 dribbles to rack up that number. For anyone new to betting on soccer, this is a testament to their ball movement and spread offense.

Without many strong defenders of which to speak, Lille profiles as a heavy underdog—and rightfully so.

OSB Prediction: Chelsea (-300)

Chelsea To beat Villarreal
BetOnline
-300

Ajax has Clear Advantage Over Benfica

Given how well Haller is playing for Ajax, we're not quite sure why we wouldn't pick them. He has scored 10 goals, on his own, across six matches. That is absurd.

Going up against Benfica is almost a gift. They haven't conceded many goals to date (nine), but that's because they haven't faced the toughest competition. Their goalkeepers have only challenged 22 shots on the posts so far.

Ajax won't let that fly. Their ball movement is incisive, and they know how to move Haller around the pitch away from the action. This is a match they could win decidedly.

OSB Prediction: Ajax (-110)

Ajax To beat Benfica
BetOnline
-110

A Draw Could be in Play for Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United

Atletico Madrid and Manchester United are largely similar when it comes to their defensive performances. Both are stingy between the posts and able to force turnovers before teams reach midfield.

Manchester United ostensibly has the edge given how effective Ronaldo continues to be. But they're not exactly teeming with other playmakers. This meeting has the makings of a deadlock—and so, we're predicting one.

OSB Prediction: Draw (+220)

Atletico Madrid and Manchester United To end in a draw
BetOnline
+220

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all your NHL betting:

Meet the author

Eric Uribe

Born and raised in Nevada, Eric was exposed to the world of sports betting at an early age. He yearned to be 21 just to hit the sportsbook, and when that day finally came, he became a regular at the smoke-filled room, sweating out bets with sketchy characters. Eric'...

Online Sports Betting may receive compensation if you sign up through our links. Rest assured, we avoid biases and provide honest opinions on sportsbooks. Read our affiliate disclosure here.