Settings
Who Will Reign Supreme in the UEFA Champions League? Man City and Real Madrid are the Top Favorites

Who Will Reign Supreme in the UEFA Champions League? Man City and Real Madrid are the Top Favorites

It’s an all new look for the Champions League this season and we are now very close to seeing the matchups in the league phase of the tournament.

The draw for that portion of the tournament will take place in Monaco later this week, with the draw being made by an AI supercomputer.

 

My Analysis

The new format will be a 36-team league, with each of the participating teams playing 8 games.

Before we get to that point, though, we still need to complete the Playoff Round, which will be done on Wednesday after the second legs of those games are completed.

We will get into more details on those games in a separate post, so keep an eye open for that article.

For now, let’s take a look at the current odds of winning the Champions League this season.

^
 

Manchester City +214

Despite winning the Premier League last season, 2024 was still considered to be something of a disappointment for City.

They lost tit heir rivals, Manchester United, in the FA Cup Final and crashed out of the Champions League in the quarterfinal, proving just how hard it is to repeat as the champions when you have to face the best that Europe has to offer.

City are out to a strong start to the new season, winning both games in the EPL and racking up goals in the process.

They will certainly move out of the league stage of the tournament, but can they go all the way.

^
 

Real Madrid +280

If you look back at the past 4 seasons, you get an idea of just how good Real Madrid are in this tournament.

They have made it to the semi-finals in each of those seasons, winning the tournament twice in that run, including ending last season as the champions of Europe.

They are out to a strange start to the season, picking up 4 points from 6 games and still waiting Kylian Mbappe to score his first goal.

There is zero reason to sound the alarm, though, as this team will eventually slip into gear and make another deep run in this tournament.

^
 

Arsenal +840

This feels like a team that has yet to reach their peak, but you do have to say that they are very much on the brink of some real success.

Arsenal once again had to settle for 2nd in the league, sitting behind Manchester City while pushing them all the way to the finish.

As good as they have been over the last 2 years, the lack of silverware has to be something of a concern.

Arsenal did take part in the Champions League last season, making it to the quarterfinal before bowing out.

The expectation is that they will go further this season, but I am adopting a wait and see approach with this team.

^
 

Bayern Munich +1100

It’s a new boss in charge at Bayern Munich, as the team looks to rebound from what was a nightmare season last year.

Bayern finished 3rd in the league, were knocked out of their domestic cup, and lost in the semi-final in the Champions League.

That is simply not acceptable for a team with the history that Munich has, and while they did get the season off to a winning start in the Bundesliga, they had to come from behind to get it.

They have made it to the quarterfinal or beyond in each of the last 5 seasons, so they are always worth a look.

^  

 
Place your Bets anywhere, anytime by downloading the MyBookie APP
 
 
 

Previous Betting News | MyBookie News Archive

2023/24 UEFA Champions League Winner Odds
 

After stunning aggregate victories by Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Dortmund, the final four at this season’s UEFA Champions League is set. Real Madrid is the +140 favorite, followed by co-second choices Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich at +250. Dortmund is the underdog to get it done. The Bundesliga team offers +800 to win their semifinal match and then the final.

The race to UCL glory heats up! Check out updated Champions League odds, betting analysis, and free picks to see which powerhouse is destined to lift the trophy.

 

2023/24 UEFA Champions League Winner Odds: Title Picks before the Quarter-Final Games | MyBookie European Team Preview of who will win the title

2024 UEFA Champions League | 70th season of Europe’s premier club football tournament organised by UEFA
Next Matches: Semifinals 1st Leg April 30th – May 1st

 

UEFA Champions League Final Four Picks

Winner: Real Madrid +140

Jude Bellingham has made a massive difference. Bellingham’s impact has been so profound that the young player is one of the favorites to win the Ball d’Or, which goes to the best player in UEFA.

But Bellingham isn’t the only reason to like Real. After a rough penalty shootout victory against Man City, which knocked the favored Sky Blues from the Champions League, Real had to pick up their feet versus rival Barcelona over the weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team did enough to secure the 3-2 victory in the latest El Clasico. Real wins another Champions League title.

Real Madrid
Winner Pick: +140 | Betting on Champions League MyBookie Betting Lines for the Games


 

Second Choice: Bayern Munich +250

Bayern didn’t have a great Bundesliga season. Munich, for the first time in over a decade, won’t lift the Bundesliga trophy. Bayer Leverkusen will.

Bayern can make up for the Bundesliga loss with a Champions League title. Harry Kane is playing lights out. The rest of the team have rallied around Kane and the odds are better than Real’s. So if you believe, go for it.

Bayern Munich
Second Pick: +250 | Betting on Champions League MyBookie Betting Lines for the Games


 

Third Choice: Paris Saint-Germain +250

Barcelona went into Parc de Princes a couple of weeks ago and managed a stunning 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Kylian Mbappe and his mates knew it was a longshot to beat Barca in Barcelona.

They knew it was a real longshot to beat Barcelona by enough goals to win the aggregate. Mbappe and his mates did just that, dominating Barca on their pitch 4-1. PSG can win the title, but they’ve been inconsistent lately. Make sure you believe before pulling the trigger.

Paris Saint-Germain
Third Pick: +250 | Betting on Champions League MyBookie Betting Lines for the Games


 

Fourth Choice: Borussia Dortmund +850

It’s going to be difficult for Dortmund to hang with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich in the semifinals.

Dortmund looked great beating Bayern a couple of weeks ago. But the Bayern team they might meet in the semis is a different squad. Dortmund should lose to Real or PSG by at least 2 goals. The odds are fair on the team with the least chance of winning this season’s Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund
Fourth Pick: +850 | Betting on Champions League MyBookie Betting Lines for the Games


 

Check out the Champions League betting odds to win for the top teams of the tournament.

2024 UEFA Champions League Odds to Win

Champions League Schedule Unfolds: Updated Standings and Remaining Fixtures!

Team Odds
Manchester City +225
Real Madrid +300
Arsenal +900
Liverpool +1000
Barcelona +1200
Bayern Munich +1200
Inter Milan +1600
Paris Saint-Germain +1600
Bayer Leverkusen +2500
Atletico Madrid +3300
Borussia Dortmund +3300
Juventus +3300
Atalanta +4000
AC Milan +4000
Aston Villa +5000
RB Leipzig +5000

Bet 2024 UEFA Champions League Odds


 

Schedule for 2023–24 UEFA Champions League Play-off Round

Round Draw date First Leg Second Leg
Knockout Phase
Semi-finals 15 March 2024 30 April – 1 May 2024 7–8 May 2024
Final 15 March 2024 1 June 2024 at Wembley Stadium, London
 
2024 Champions League Schedule
Date Time Round Home   Away
Tuesday, April 30 3:00 p.m. 1st leg Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid
Wednesday, May 1 3:00 p.m. 1st leg Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Tuesday, May 7 3:00 p.m. 2nd leg Paris Saint-Germain vs. Borussia Dortmund
Wednesday, May 8 3:00 p.m. 2nd leg Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich

 

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

Champions League Winner Betting Odds
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game
 
Champions League Odds & Picks- Early Game Predictions
 

Previous Betting News

With the start of the UEFA Champions League set to resume on Friday, August 7, now is a perfect time to take a look at which teams are offering the best value against their MyBookie Champions League game odds when the first handful of matchups goes down in approximately 10 days. Co-prohibitive favorites Manchester City and Bayern Munich are both in action on the first two days of Champions League play while co-No. 4 pick Barcelona and No. 5 favorite Juventus are also in action. Now, let’s find out where the best betting value lies, along with their odds to win Champions League.

Champions League Odds & Picks – Early Game Predictions

Lyon Vs Juventus

Juventus is sitting atop the Group D standings through six matches at a near-perfect 5-1-0 while Lyon is in second place in Group G at 2-2-2. Juventus closed out their Serie A match play by recording a 2-0 win over Sampdoria on Sunday, but they’ll also be looking to extract some revenge for their 1-0 loss against Lyon in their round of 16 meeting on February 26. Lyon had their three-game winning streak snapped in their narrow 1-0 French Ligue 1 loss against against Lille on March 8. Juventus has put 12 goals on the board in Champions League play while allowing just four goals. Lyon has put nine goals in the back of the net while allowing eight goals. With Cristiano Ronaldo and company looking to take care of business at home, I say inconsistent Juventus gets the win by taking care of business at Allianz Stadium to get their fourth win in the last six meetings.

Pick: Juventus 2 Lyon 1

Where: Allianz Stadium
When: Friday, August 7, 2020 at 2:00 PM
Money Lines: Juventus -270 / Lyon +600 / Draw +337
Total:

Real Madrid Vs City

Manchester City is atop the Group C standings through six matches at 4-2-0 while Madrid is in second place in Group A at 3-2-1. Manchester has won four straight and six of their last seven including an emphatic 5-0 shutout win over Norwich City on Sunday. Madrid had won 10 straight until playing Leganes to a 2-2 draw in their season-ending LaLiga clash on Sunday. Man City has scored 16 goals in Champions League play while allowing just four goals. The Citizens are 2-1-0 at home in league play. Madrid has scored 14 goals while allowing eight. While both of these clubs can put goals on the board in a hurry Man City has the clearly better defense in this pairing and that’s why they’ll emerge victorious in a thriller in this clash to improve to 3-0 in the last three meetings.

Pick: Man City 3 Madrid 2

Where: Ethiad Stadium
When: Friday, August 7, 2020 at 2:00 PM
Money Lines: Madrid +300 / Man City -151 / Draw +305
Total:

Chelsea Vs Bayern

Bayern Munich is the only team in the Champions League with a perfect record as they sit atop the Group B standings at 6-0-0. Chelsea is in second place in Group H at 3-2-1. Bayern has put a league-leading 24 goals in the net while allowing just five goals defensively. Chelsea has deposited 11 goals in the back of the net in Champions League play while allowing nine goals defensively. Bayern has won 13 straight games and 20 of their last 21 including an emphatic 4-2 win over Leverkusen in their Bundesliga Cup clash on Sunday. Chelsea has won three of four and bounced back from their humbling 5-3 loss against Liverpool to beat Wolverhampton 2-0 on Sunday. While Chelsea won’t roll over in this affair, Bayern is clearly the better team at both ends of the pitch and possesses an offense that will be far too much for Chelsea to handle in this affair.

Pick: Bayern 4 Chelsea 2

Where: Allianz Arena
When: Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 2:00 PM
Money Lines: Chelsea +468 / Bayern -238 / Draw +355
Total:

Napoli Vs Barcelona

Barca is in first place in Group F at 4-2-0 while Napoli is in second place in the Group E standings at 3-3-0. Barca has put nine goals on the board in Champions League play while allowing four goals. Napoli has scored 11 goals while allowing our goals. Barcelona has gone 7-2-1 over their last 10 games and comes into this clash off an emphatic 5-0 win over Atalanta on July 19 though they lost heir chance to win the Serie A title by getting upset by Osasuna 2-1 at home in their previous match. Napoli has gone 6-2-2 over their last 10 games and comes into this clash off a 2-0 win over Sassuolo on Saturday. While these two played t a 1-1 draw the last time they met on February 25, Barca won the previous two meetings, 4-0 on the road and 2-1 at home. Yes, Barcelona has largely underachieved and they’ve been inconsistent since the restart, but this is the same team that has Lionel Messi leading them, plus they’re desperate to pick up their play after their lackluster finish in the Spanish league. Barca gets it done via a one goal win.

Pick: Barcelona 2 Napoli 1

Where: Camp Nou
When: Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 2:00 PM
Money Lines: Napoli +350 / Barcelona -163 / Draw +287
Total:

 
2022-23 UEFA Champions League Betting Update: Barcelona Overlay Pick, Bayern Offers Best Odds
 

Previous Betting News

The Champions League starts in earnest next Tuesday, September 6, when teams play their first group matches of the season. Paris Saint-Germain versus Juventus highlights Tuesday’s list of games. On Wednesday, Inter Milano takes on Bayern and Napoli throws down against Liverpool. Because the Champions League Season is on tap, it’s time to check out updated CL title odds along with an UEFA Champions League Odds analysis.

Soccer Betting Update and Odd to Win the 2022 Champions League Title

2022-23 UEFA Champions League Season

When: September 6, 2022 – June 10, 2023

UEFA Champions League Updated Title Odds

Liverpool may have already given up on the Premier League title

Liverpool, one of the favorites to take the Champions League, may have already given up on winning the English Premier League title.

After five EPL matches, Pool has a loss, 2 draws, and a win. The loss happened in Liverpool’s most recent match, a game versus Newcastle. Losing to Newcastle is a big deal.

It’s so bad that Liverpool is a point behind Manchester United, who had all sorts of problems to start the season, Brentford, and Newcastle on the EPL standings.

The Reds deciding to give up winning the Premier and instead concentrate on taking the Champions League is a real possibility. It will be tough to make up ground on Tottenham, Arsenal, and Man City.

Will the strategy lead to another great Champions League run? Maybe. If the odds stay the same, though, it’s impossible to back Liverpool to win the title. The team isn’t close to playing dominant soccer like it did last season.

Does Lewa make Barcelona an overlay?

Most consider Group C the group of death. Barcelona, Bayern, and Inter Milano play in C. But although beating Bayern and Inter won’t be easy, Barcelona might have the right mix of players to not only win their group but to also win the Champions League.

For Barca, everything starts with Robert Lewandowski. After 3 LaLiga Primera Division matches, Barcelona is 2 points behind Betis and Real.

Barca shows 2 wins and a draw. Lewa has 4 goals in 3 matches. So if the former Bayern star keeps this up, Barcelona will be close to impossible to handle during CL group play. At the odds, Barcelona is an overlay.

Bayern Munich comes down to earth

Bayern had dominated their Bundesliga matches. In their first, Bayern blasted 2021 Europa League winner Eintracht Frankfurt 6-1.

Then in their second, Munich rocked Wolfsburg 2-0. Bayern continued the scoring fest with a 7-0 win over Bochum in their third Bundesliga match.

But in their fourth, scorching Bayern fell down to earth. Monchengladbach forced a 1-1 draw.

The draw disappointed Bayern’s fans. But it isn’t a sign Munich won’t win the Champions League. Outside of Real and their +1100 odds, Bayern offers the best odds among the favorites to take the title.

If you liked Bayern before the Gladbach draw, you should still like them. Heading into the first group matches, Bayern Munich offers the fairest odds among the true contenders to win the Champions League.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

Bet Soccer Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the game
 
UEFA Champions League Odds: Liverpool and Manchester City Are the Betting Favorites
 

Previous Betting News

The 2021-2022 Champions League Semifinal matches are set. On one side of the bracket, Premier League squad Liverpool takes on LaLiga team Villareal. Then on the other side of the bracket, EPL leader Manchester City battles LaLiga leader Real Madrid. Updated odds suggest a Pool versus City final. Check out Champions League odds on MyBookie to win the 2022 Champions League title along with an odds analysis.

Champions League Updated Betting Odds: Red and Sky Blues Co-Favorites

2022 UEFA Champions League Title Match

When: Saturday, May 28, 2022
Where: Stade de France, Saint Denis, France

Which team deserves the longer look to win the CL? Liverpool or Manchester City?

Based on the last head-to-head, the Reds deserve a longer look to win the Champions League than Manchester City. Liverpool dominated the Sky Blues in a 3-2 victory.

A couple of notes about the match, though. First, Man City started Zac Steffen in goal. The American made a ridiculous mistake that led to Liverpool’s second goal.

To tell you how much the Sky Blues cared about the FA Semifinal match, Steffen has started a single Premier League game this season. Pep Guardiola put him in goal because, well, the FA Cup isn’t something Manchester City’s coach cares a lot about.

So Zac Steffen cost City the game. However, although we can’t use the last head-to-head to figure out which team deserves the longer look, Liverpool is still the better choice.

In the head-to-head match before, which happened at Etihad Stadium, Pool managed a 2-2 draw. Liverpool also has the supposedly easier path to the CL Finals since they take on Villareal and the Sky Blues must go against Real Madrid.

So give Liverpool a slightly longer look. But if you believe Pep’s squad takes home the trophy, accept the odds. +125 is fair for both the Reds and City.

Assess Real Madrid’s chances of winning the Champions League title.

One of the things we must like about Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is how they managed to knock out defending champions Chelsea.

Not only that, but Karim Benzema is playing out of his mind. Benzema scored 3 goals versus the Blues in the first leg. In the second leg, Benzema scored a goal to keep Chelsea from tying the aggregate in Real’s 3-2 loss.

On paper, Ancelotti’s squad doesn’t have much of a shot against Manchester City. But Carlo is the only coach to take four different teams to a Champions League Semifinal. He’s a master soccer coach and manager.

At the odds, Real is more than playable. After all, RM has a 15-point lead over Barcelona in LaLiga’s Primer Division, just knocked Chelsea from the CL, and will head to their battle with the Sky Blues under the radar.

So at +600, Real is definitely worth a look to win it all.

Does Villareal have any chance of winning the Champions League?

We want to write “no”, but it’s difficult. Villareal knocked out one of the CL favorites, Bayern. Not only that, but the Primera Division team won the Europa League last season.

Because Villareal is 21 points behind Real Madrid for the LaLiga championship, we must figure the club is concentrating on their match versus Liverpool and then on a possible Champions League title.

So, no, Villareal shouldn’t win the CL. But the team shouldn’t have made it this far and in a 4-team race, they offer exceptional +1900 odds. If you want to put a few bucks behind the longest shot on the board, you should go for it.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

Bet Soccer Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the game
 
Updated Odds to Win the 2021 Champions League
 

Previous Betting News

Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Chelsea are the four teams left with a shot to win the 2021 UEFA Champions League title match. Man City offers favorite’s odds while PSG is the second choice. Real Madrid and Chelsea are the underdogs among the UCL final four. Check out more information on the teams left with a shot at the UCL title so you can make your bets against their Champions League odds.

Champions League Betting Odds Update: Semi-Final Matches Rapidly Approaching

2021 UEFA Champions League Final

When: Saturday, May 29
Where: Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey

Does Manchester City offer overlay or underlay odds?

Based on how they played in the Champions League, the Sky Blues most definitely offer overlay odds. Man City has dominated their competition, including beating Dortmund twice in the quarterfinals.

Not only that, but the best player in the world right now, Kevin De Bruyne, laces up the cleats for the Sky Blues. De Bruyne is like a great NFL quarterback. The entire team picks up their game when De Bruyne is on the pitch.

No doubt, City should be favored. But as great as Man City has looked in their UCL matches, their EPL form has fallen off some.

Chelsea beat the Sky Blues 1-0 on April 17. Manchester City followed up the loss with a victory against Aston Villa, but they beat their overmatched opponents by just one goal.

Also, even though City beat Dortmund and Monchengladbach, we must put the wins in perspective. Neither Dortmund nor Monchengladbach are in the top three in the Bundesliga. Neither had shown their best form before the matches against Manchester City.

Want another reason to consider Manchester City an underlay? Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Chelsea are peaking. If you believe the Sky Blues’ form is about to regress, the other three contenders offer odds that you can’t ignore.

Assess Paris Saint-Germain’s chances of winning the UCL?

It’s tough to know what to make of PSG’s chances to win the Champions League. Paris looked great in their aggregate victory over Bayern.

But PSG played a Bayern side missing injured Robert Lewandowski. No team should hang with a quality team like Paris Saint-Germain without their best player.

Before beating Bayern, Paris took down Barcelona. This season’s Barcelona squad isn’t as good as what we’ve seen in seasons past. It’s hard to know if Paris’ aggregate victory was because PSG dominated or because Barca failed.

PSG appears to be peaking, though. On April 21, they beat Angers 5-0. But on April 28, Paris battles Manchester City. Could PSG possibly beat Barcelona, Bayern, and Manchester City in three straight two-leg aggregates?

Your answer to that question will tell you if Paris Saint-Germain can win the Champions League.

Which is the better bet, Real Madrid or Chelsea?

This is a tough one. Chelsea has stumbled once in what seems like forever, a 5-2 loss to West Bromwich. If we consider the loss an anomaly, then the Blues have as much of a shot as any team of winning the Champions League.

But before crowning Chelsea, let’s be fair. In the last round, Real Madrid battled Liverpool while Chelsea took on Porto. The Portuguese League squad is a decent team. Porto may have gotten lucky to get past Juventus, though.

Chelsea is a good team, no doubt. But they face a surging Real Madrid side on April 29.

Real not only beat Liverpool in the aggregate this month, but they also beat Barcelona in the El Clasico. Zinedine Zidane’s team is so deep that the former French great can bring Isco off the bench.

If Pulisic isn’t at his best, Chelsea should struggle to score goals. Zidane can run in Isco for Modric, play Isco and Modric at the same time, send in Benzema or start Benzema.

Zinedine can match up with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City. The ability to strategize no matter the opponent makes Real Madrid the team to beat.

 
UEFA Champions League Saturday Games Odds & Picks
 

Previous Betting News

Two of the top Champions League favorites will be in action on Saturday when unbeaten co-prohibitive favorites Bayern Munich and Barcelona take to the pitch for their respective Champions League clashes on Saturday. With both clubs looking to get their second legs started off on the right foot, let’s find out if both can win and cash in against their Champions League odds.

UEFA Champions League Saturday Games Odds & Picks

Chelsea FC (3-2-1) vs FC Bayern Munich (6-0-0)

Bayern has won a mind-boggling 17 consecutive matches while going 24-1-0 over the last 25 games. The Bavarians come into this clash off a 4-2 win over Leverkusen in their last match on July 4 en route to winning the domestic double. Bayern also smacked Chelsea senseless in their 3-0 shutout win in their first leg meeting in February. Bayern has scored a whopping 25 goals in Champions League play while limiting the opposition to just five goals defensively. Superstar striker Robert Lewandowski has scored massive 11 goals in six Champions League matches while Gnarby has added six goals.

“We cannot be too relaxed despite our (3-0) advantage from the first leg,” captain Manuel Neuer said. “We had a short break. We know we have a good starting position but it is a restart for us. So we want to start with a good game.”

Bayern Munich will be without winger Kingsley Coman after the Frenchman missed Friday’s final training session with a muscle injury ahead of Saturday’s second leg against Chelsea in their Champions League last-16 tie.

Chelsea comes into this match off a humbling 2-1 loss against Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Chelsea has scored 11 goals in Champions League play while allowing nine goals defensively. Azpilicueta, Abraham, and Jorginho all have a team-high two goals for Chelsea in the Champions League.

When: Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 3:00 PM ET
Where: Football Arena Munich – Munich
Money Lines: Chelsea FC +577 / FC Bayern Munich -270 / Draw +413
Total:

Prediction

Bayern Munich is completely and utterly better than Chelsea at both ends of the pitch and they certainly don’t want to lose this match against a clearly inferior team. Simply put, if Bayern doesn’t win this match by at least two goals, I’ll be stunned.

Pick: Bayern 3 Chelsea 1

SSC Napoli (3-3-0) vs FC Barcelona (4-2-0)

Lionel Messi and Barcelona have won five of their last six matches and come into this affair off a resounding 5-0 shutout win over Alaves on July 19th as Messi finished finished as the top scorer in La Liga. Barca has scored a modest nine goals while allowing four goals defensively in Champions League play. Messi has two goals and three assists while Griezmann has added two goals. Barcelona will be without the injured Umtiti, Todibo, and Araujo while Vidal and Busquets are both suspended because of red and yellow cards.

Napoli has alternated wins and losses over their last four matches, but comes into this clash off a convincing 3-1 win over Lazio on Saturday. While Lazio’s Ciro Immobile tied for the single season scoring record in the loss, Napoli dominated from start to finish to get the confidence-boosting win. Napoli has scored 11 goals in Champions League play while allowing just four goals defensively. Mertens has scored a team-high six goals in Champions League matches while Milik has added three goals.

When: Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 3:00 PM ET
Where: Camp Nou – Barcelona
Money Lines: Napoli +398 / Barcelona -166 / Draw +309
Total: 3

Prediction

Barcelona might not be among the very top favorites to win the Champions league this year, but they still have the more talented roster in this clash, starting with their resident superstar Lionel Messi. More importantly, Barca has has some time to get their act together after a losing their bid to win the La Liga title thanks to their stunning upset loss against Osasuna on July 16.

Barca will get by Napoli in this affair, mostly because Lionel Messi is still as amazing a goal scorer as ever while Napoli is offensively challenged and wildly inconsistent. However, I expect this one to be a tight affair that ends with a one-goal margin.

Pick: Barcelona 2 Napoli 1

 
UEFA Champions League 2020 Update
 

Previous Betting News

By the time we reached the end of March, most of us doubted that football would be returning anytime soon. Rumors soon began circulating that some of the major European leagues were looking at a restart, and while a couple did end up cancelling the season, we now have the Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, and English Premier League back in business. The question that remained was about what UEFA would do about the Champions League, but after a major announcement on Wednesday, we now have some of the answers. Let’s take a look at who will be in and the format that UEFA will be following in the coming weeks so you can start panning ahead your bets against their Champions League odds.

UEFA Champions League 2020 Update

Which Teams are Still in the Champions League?

There are 4 teams who have currently booked their place in the final 8, and they are Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig, Atalanta, and Atletico Madrid. They will be joined by 4 more teams once the second legs of the Round of 16 are played. We will get into that in a moment, but let’s take a look at the 4 fixtures that are still to be played, with the first leg score in parentheses.

Man City (2) vs (1) Real Madrid
Bayern Munich (3) vs (0) Chelsea
Juventus (0) vs (1) Lyon
Barcelona (1) vs (1) Napoli

UEFA are looking to have these games played on August 7 and 8, but it has yet to be decided whether those games will be played at the home stadiums of the teams or at a neutral venue in Lisbon.

The Champions League Final 8 Mini-Tournament

The one thing that has been confirmed is that the last 8 teams will congregate in Lisbon for a mini-tournament, with games played as a straight knockout as opposed to the two legs that we are used to in the Champions League. The games will be split between the Estadio da Luz (home of Benfica) and the Estadia Jose Alvalade (home of Sporting Lisbon). The condensed tournament will run from August 12 through 23, with the following dates to be followed.

Champions League last-16: August 7-8
Champions League quarter-finals: August 12-15
Champions League semi-finals: August 18-19
Champions League final: August 23

Will Fans be in Attendance?

All the domestic leagues that have returned to play have done so with games played behind closed doors. UEFA have stated that if a decision had to be made today, the Champions League would follow the same format. There is still plenty of time to decide whether or not fans will be allowed to take in this tournament, with the final decision set to be announced before July 10.

 
Champions League Odds & Predictions – 2020 UEFA CL
 

Previous Betting News

With the second leg of group stage play of the 2020 Champions League campaign set to get underway on Friday, August 7, now is a perfect time to offer up some expert analysis and predictions on this year’s potential championship winner. This year, there will be some distinct changes as the final stages get set to get underway. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final will all be one-legged affairs all taking place in Lisbon without fans. Four teams are already qualified (RB Leipzig, Atlético Madrid, PSG, and Atalanta). Let’s take a closer look at some of the favorites to win the tournament so you can make your bets against their Champions League odds.

Champions League Odds & Expert Predictions

Odds to Win 2020 Champions League Title

Manchester City

Man City was banned from Champions League play for two years a couple of months ago, but the club appealed – and won their – and now the Citizens are favored to win it all and for good reason. Manchester City is sitting atop the Group C standings through six matches at 4-2-0. The Citizens have the second best goal differential margin (+12) after scoring 16 goals and allowing just four in six Champions League matches this season. 25-year-old midfielder Raheem Sterling is a superstar of the highest order, having scored 20 goals in 30 Premier League matches while veteran forward Sergio Aguero is still at the top of his game with 16 goals in 18 Premier League matches.

Bayern Munich

The Bavarians are the only unbeaten team in the Champions League as they sit atop the Group B standings at an unblemished 6-0-0. Bayern will enter Champions League play absolutely on fire, having won a mind-boggling 17 straight games. The German League champs are led by one of the best players on the face of the planet in 31-year-old superstar forward Robert Lewandowski, who has scored a phenomenal 34 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches. Not only that but veteran midfielder Thomas Muller is still one of the best playmakers in the business as he’s put up a stellar 21 assists in 26 matches.

PSG

The French season was suspended in March due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, but PSG looks like a legitimate title contender as they sit atop the group A standings at a nearly perfect 5-1-0 through six matches. The Red and Blues are led by still-blossoming 21-year-old star forward, Kylian Mbappe, though he could miss his side’s Aug. 12 Champions League match against Atalanta with an ankle injury. Still, PSG has some other elite talent in superstar forward Neymar (13 goals in 15 matches) and Mauro Icardi (12 goals in 20 matches). PSG has scored the second most goals in Champions League play so far this season while allowing the fewest goals (two) as we get set for the next leg of action.

Barcelona

Barca sits atop the group F standings at 4-2-0, but the Red and Blues were inconsistent at best in going 25-7-6 in Spanish Primera League play. Barca has put nine goals on the board in Champions League play while allowing four goals. Superstar forward Lionel Messi is still at the top of his game with 25 goals in 33 Spanish League matches while Luis Suarez has added 16 goals in 28 matches. Still, Barcelona’s inconsistent play, especially since the restart, has me concerned.

RB Leipzig

Leipzig is sitting atop the group G standings at 3-2-1. The Red Bulls finished third in the German League (18-12-4) and they are led by a true superstar in 24-year-old star forward Timo Werner (28 goals in 34 matches), though I don’t like the drop-off to second star Patrik Schick (10 goals). Leipzig has scored 10 goals while allowing eight goals defensively and I believe their lack of a potent offense will be their undoing once Champions League play resumes.

Juventus

Juventus is sitting atop the Group D standings through six matches at a near-perfect 5-1-0 and they went 26-5-6 to win the Serie A championship. While Juventus has scored a dozen goals in Champions League play while limiting the opposition to just four goals, they haven’t faced the most difficult opposition in their group and they’ll kick off their Champions League play having lost two of their last three matches including a 2-0 defeat against Cagliari on Wednesday.

Atlético Madrid

Atleti is in second place in the group D standings at 3-1-2 while scoring eight goals and allowing five defensively. Atletico went 18-16-4 to finish third in Spanish League play, but this team is limited offensively with forward Alvaro Morata being the team’s leading scorer with a modest 12 goals, but no other player having more than six goals.

Atalanta

Atlanta might have the longest odds to win it all here, but I absolutely love the value the Black and Blues are offering as a stunning +1000 pick. Atalanta sits in second place in the group D standings at 2-1-3 and they’ve allowed more goals (12) than they’ve put on the board (8). Still, Atalanta has one of, if not, the – best offense on the face of the planet this year. The Black and Blues finished third in the Spanish League (23-9-5), but they also scored a mind-boggling 98 goals to lead the league in scoring by 19 more goals than Inter. The Black and Blues have a trio of elite scorers in Luis Muriel, David Zapata (18 goals apiece) and Josip Ilicic (15 goals). Four other players have scored at least seven goals while seven players have posted five assist or more.

Predictions

I’m going with Bayern Munich as my top pick to win it all, but Atalanta is my No. 2 pick. I like Man City as my No. 3 pick, followed by selections for PSG and Juventus.

Champions League Picks

 
 

 

Soccer Betting Center


Updated Soccer Odds | Online Sports Betting