Did we learn much from the opening fixtures of the 2011/12 Champions League? Well, it was something of a pretty understated start to the tournament to be honest. Three of the four English sides drew 1-1 with their respective opponents, with only Chelsea picking up maximum points. It was not a thoroughly convincing opening from the Spanish giants in the tournament either, and with the first rounds of matches out of the way, it is a good time to look at outright Champions League betting odds. This year’s renewal of the event largely sees the same old names as front runners, with defending champions Barcelona and Spanish rivals Real Madrid dominating the proceedings. Will anyone be able to wrestle the title away from the mighty Catalans with Lionel Messi and co running the show? Here are the latest outright winner odds for the main protagonists in this season’s show.
Barcelona: 2/1 at Totesport
Well, a 2-2 draw at home against Italians AC Milan was not quite the expected result here on Match Day One for the defending champions. Barcelona had to chase the game from the early seconds of the match when Alex Pato pounced for the visitors at the Nou Camp. Can we read too much into this opening performance? Not really. You have to remember that most of the teams have only gotten a few games under their belt this season, but with Barca failing to win at home, it may raise the hopes of others in the tournament. The Catalans will get through the group stage without any worries, and the only other important match of their group is going to be the return fixture against AC Milan. Not a blistering start from Barcelona, but they are still the class act to consider in Champions League betting, still the dominant force which other teams are trying to live up to.
Real Madrid: 9/2 at BetFred
Unlike their La Liga rivals, Madrid got off to a winning start, albeit a narrow 1-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb. Real Madrid look very good value here in the Champions League, and there is the feeling that they are a lot closer to Barcelona than ever before. The goals have been flying in on the domestic front, and they will turn up and cause the rest of Europe huge problems. We expect them to push Barcelona really hard for the title both in Spain and in the Champions League as well. They have grown a little from last season if the early performances of the season are anything to go by. Stunned in La Liga on the weekend, suffering defeat, but a very strong force and well worth a bet to be crowned European Champions.
Manchester United: 7/1 at SkyBet
The Red Devils had to come from behind in Portugal against Benfica in their opening match but are still strong in Champions League betting. Veteran Ryan Giggs had to save the day against Benfica, who simply wanted to play the game the right way and attack. That was nice to see, and while it was not the strongest Manchester United side selected which you will see this year, this result is not a disaster. We are not going to see any big upset of United struggling to get out of the group stage. They will, and they will do it without breaking too much of a necessary sweat. They will no doubt get stronger and stronger as the tournament progresses. Last year’s losing finalists, they have gotten off to such a strong domestic start. However, they looked a long way short of Barcelona’s quality in last year’s final. Have they closed that gap?
Manchester City: 11/1 at Unibet
Manchester City’s Champions League debut saw them earn a decent 1-1 away draw against Napoli. Yes, boss Roberto Mancini would have liked to have gotten off to a winning start, especially being in such a tough group, but the Eastlands crew are still being tipped a strong outsider to take the title. This is their first crack at the tournament and they are fourth favourites in the list of betting selections. That is not bad, and is a recognition of the force which they have become. While they will probably go well, you have to look at experience at the end of the day, and the whole balancing act of domestic and European nights is not an easy thing. An outside bet in Champions League betting.
Chelsea: 12/1 at Bet365
The Blues were the only English side to win their opening match in this year’s Champions League. Interestingly enough, they are still fancied as being more of a long shot behind the two Manchester clubs. They still have not been able to get over the winning line in the Champions League of course, so big questions will be asked of new boss Andre Villas Boas. It is likely the tournament which will define his future at the club. Chelsea left it late at home against a Bayer Leverkusen outside which had their chances. Unless Chelsea get stronger over the season with their new players gelling together, it is hard to see them realistically challenging for the title. They, like Manchester City, but for different reason, really need to prove themselves in the tournament this season.
Other Champions League betting options
Bayern Munich: 14/1 at Boylesports
AC Milan: 25/1 at Bet365
Arsenal: 33/1 at Stan James
Porto: 33/1 at Bet365
Inter Milan: 40/1 at BetFred
Online bookmaker Unibet run a Champions League betting promotion on all matches in the tournament this season. This is a 0-0 refund offer and is worth looking at for your option. If a Champions League match ends in a 0-0 draw, then the bookie will refund all losing Correct Score, Half Time/Full Time, First Goalscorer and Last Goalscorer bets placed on that match. It is a decent bit of coverage for your Champions League match betting at a highly rated online bookmaker. Unibet, which has a fantastic live in play betting portal, offer new customers registering an account, a risk free first bet of up to £20. This means that if your first bet on a new Unibet account loses, then you will get your lost stake refunded, up to the value of £20.
