Champions League preview: Charlie Nicholas looks at both semi-final ties

Charlie Nicholas

Football Expert

Tuesday 5 May 2015 17:48, UK

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas runs the rule over this week's Champions League semi-final ties on the continent.

Nicholas sees a shock in Turin for Real Madrid, while the momentum is with Barcelona against their former boss Pep Guardiola.

Juventus v Real Madrid (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

I know Madrid got a nice result at the weekend in a difficult away match, but I honestly think there’s nothing between these two at the minute.

The other two semi-finalists are a different class compared to these two, in terms of style and individuals, but I still think this is a fascinating tie. For me, it’s a 50-50 tie – Juventus will probably be cautious because they won’t want to let an away goal in, but I definitely see them scoring.

I think Madrid are still too individual rather than being a great team. Ronaldo’s self-interest is still there – he’s still a sensational player, but I think it’s affecting the team. So I’m going to go for Juventus to win this 1-0.

Juventus will be of the mind-set where they’ll take a 0-0 knowing that they’re good enough to go to Madrid and draw or even win, because they’ve got pace and power.

But I think they’ll really open this tie up and sneak a 1-0 win. Set-pieces will be so important so I’m going to tip Giorgio Chiellini to score, I always fancy him to win a header.

Barcelona v Bayern Munich (Wednesday, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1 and 5 HD)

I can’t wait for this game, I’m rubbing my hands together at the thought of it. Barcelona are in tremendous form – the three amigos up front are just sensational.

Bayern will try and combat it of course – Pep Guardiola’s team like to have the ball the way Barcelona do too.

I think Barca owe them one from the other season when they got absolutely battered – the momentum is with them and in particular with Luis Suarez, who has really come to life in the second half of the season.