21st Nov 2012 | Football
Man City v Real Madrid: Ronaldo Hat-trick
His true odds are nearer 9/1 and he faces a City team that has to attack.
It is strange to think that Man City still have an outside chance of making the knockout stages of the Champions League. They were comprehensively outplayed in their first three matches and struggled to draw with Ajax at the Etihad. The defensive solidity that took them to the Premier League title has deserted them and they have conceded nine goals in Europe this term.
Roberto Mancini is likely to field an attacking line-up in this must win encounter and that is asking for trouble. Ajax caused City numerous problems a fortnight ago, so imagine the damage Cristiano Ronaldo and company could wreak.
The Portuguese winger is the star man for Madrid these days but he is still underrated by the bookmakers. Since moving to Spain, he’s scored 17 hat-tricks from 162 appearances in all competitions. That is a 10% strike rate; a 9/1 chance in betting terms.
Amazingly, BetVictor offer odds of 20/1 that Cristiano Ronaldo scores a hat-trick tonight and with Man City focused on attack he should get plenty of opportunities. Given the context of the game and his prolific history, 20/1 (Bet Victor) looks like a value bet.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:56 21st Nov, 2012 but subject to change
