Sheriff Tiraspol beating Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu will always be one of the biggest upsets in UEFA Champions League history. Nevertheless, los Blancos managed to turn things around and now are one victory away from winning Group D.
The home side won’t be easy prey, though. A victory or even a draw would allow them to keep hope alive. For them to at least qualify for the UEFA Europa League would be a huge success.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and soccer lines for Sheriff vs Real Madrid.
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Location: Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena, Tiraspol
Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET
TV: beIN Sports
Live Stream: fuboTV
UEFA Champions League Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Over/Under | Team Total |
| Sheriff | +1½ +110 | +1200 | 3½ +110 | ½ -140o/+110u |
| Real Madrid | -1½ -130 | -400 | 3½ -130u | 2½ -110o/-120u |
| Draw | +525 |
Head to Head
The first leg was the first time that Real Madrid and Sheriff met. The visiting side pulled off an incredible upset by winning 2-1. Sebastien Thill scored the winning goal with one minute left on the clock. Los Blancos finished with eight shots on target, eight more than Sheriff, but had no luck.
It was an intense, physical battle. The referee showed seven total yellow cards. Expect a similar situation in the second leg. This will be the most important game in Sheriff’s history.
New Attitude
Real Madrid is a more confident team now. They’re in control in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior are having great seasons. Defensively, they haven’t allowed more than one goal per game in their last seven matches in all competitions.
Most recently, regarding the UCL, they faced Shakhtar Donetsk and won 2-1. Benzema scored both goals and became one of the tournament’s top scorers with four. The Frenchman is also La Liga’s top scorer with 10 goals. Right now, you won’t find a more confident striker.
Another reason to include Madrid in your soccer picks is that Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos are fully healthy. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently said that the three of them do things he didn’t even ask for. He truly believes he has the best midfield in the world. If that doesn’t motivate them, I don’t know what else could do it.
Los Blancos own an 8-1-1 record when playing on the road in all competitions. That’s right, they’ve been slightly better when playing away from home. They scored in all those games and finished with a clean sheet three times.
Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos are out due to injury, while Eden Hazard and Federico Valverde are doubtful. All of them are very talented, but Ancelotti has plenty of options to replace them.
“My dressing room is full of quality, personality and harmony. I think that the players feel comfortable around each other. There’s a lot of youth and enthusiasm within the group,” said Ancelotti during the press conference.
For Moldova!
Sheriff is already making history by participating in the UCL Group Stage. However, advancing to the Round of 16 would be an epic story worthy of a Hollywood movie.
Regarding the UCL, they sit in third place with six points thanks to a 2-0-2 record, six goals for and seven against. They’ve scored as many goals as Inter Milan. They’re not afraid of any team.
Domestically, they sit in second place, one point behind first place. In fact, they played last Saturday and won 3-1, but several starters got some rest. After all, beating Real Madrid has become their main goal.
They’ve been an even more reliable betting online option when playing at home. They own a 12-1-1 record in all competitions, 42 goals for and six against. They scored in all games but one and finished with a clean sheet 10 times.
Yes, their domestic league can’t compare to the UCL, but winning is always positive and increases confidence.
Moussa Kyabou is out due to injury while Momo Yansane is doubtful. The thing is that no matter who gets to play, they must go for the kill.
Final Analysis, Predictions
We all love a good underdog story, but this time Real Madrid will have no compassion. That doesn’t mean Sheriff won’t put up a fight, but it won’t be enough. Los Blancos want to secure a ticket for the Round of 16 ASAP to focus on La Liga. That’s why our football prediction includes a victory for los Blancos, both to score, and the total to go over.
If you want to increase your winning chances, be sure to check the props for this and other games. Our score prediction is offering a +900 price, while four exact total goals are +400.
Score Prediction: Real Madrid 3, Sheriff 1
