With the 10-time European champions needing goals to avoid elimination, we are backing a high-scoring first half at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was forthright when asked about the importance of his side's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Wolfsburg.

"Our whole season is on the line on Tuesday night," said the Frenchman, before calling on his team to play with a high tempo from the start on Tuesday.

Of course, it was not supposed to be like this; Real Madrid drawing Wolfsburg was celebrated in certain parts of the Spanish capital and lamented by the Catalan press as being typical of Los Blancos' good fortune. 

Yet last week's first leg brought with it an unexpected poor performance from Zidane's men, and their failure to score an away goal could prove fatal. 



Wolfsburg defended their 2-0 lead resolutely and we should expect them to sit back once more and soak up the waves of pressure from the hosts before attempting to score on the break. 

Dieter Hecking and his side will be aware that, should they score on the night, their opponents would need four goals, so while their main plan will be to close off spaces and defend, they will also be keen to make the most of any attacking opportunities that come their way. 

The side that currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga have won both of their last two away games in the Champions League and know there is a very real chance that they could make the semi-finals even if they lose at the Bernabeu.
Netbet offer Wolfsburg at 51/4 (13.75) to claim an historic win, while Madrid can be backed at9/50 (1.18) and the draw is offered at 27/4 (7.75). It is interesting to note that despite Wolfsburg's advantage, both teams are offered at 9/10 (1.90) to qualify for the next round.

The general feeling in the Spanish capital is that Madrid will make it, and while that might be viewed as arrogance or an underestimation of their opponents, the optimism is born of Madrid's superb home record. 

Since Zinedine Zidane took charge, they have won eight of their nine games at home, scoring 37 goals in the process, while in Europe they have won 16 of their last 18 matches at the Bernabeu. 

The hosts need goals, and if they heed their manager's plea to come flying out of the blocks then we should be in for a high-scoring first half, with over 1.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes offered at 5/6 (1.83).