Champions League Betting 2008

The Champions League

So, it's Manchester United against Chelsea for the final to be held in Moscow on May 21st. The rush has started for tickets, flights and accomodation as the Russian capital prepares to be decended on by an English contingent, the like it's never seen before.

The match itself will be a historic occassion being an all-English final for the first time. The romantic side of the game was highlighted in the semi-final stage when Frank Lampard stepped up to put away the penalty that began to seal the fate of Liverpool. His grief for his mother could be felt by millions as he executed a perfect place kick and raised his arms to the heavens.

The final, you can be sure, will be explosive between two of our nations top clubs who have been at each other - in a sporting sense - all through the season, which looks to culminate in them also duelling for the Premiership title.

Our recommended Bookmakers for Champions League betting 2008

The tournament consists of a number of stages beginning with three knockout qualifying rounds. The sixteen champions from the top-ranked associations qualify automatically. In the subsequent preliminary round, participating teams are paired, with aggregate winners proceeding into the next round.

Champions League Structure

Qualifying rounds span from mid-July to late August. The losers of the third qualifying round are transferred to the UEFA cup, and the sixteen winners of the final qualifying round are joined by the sixteen that qualified directly. These teams then participate in the group stage.

These thirty two teams are drawn into eight groups of four, each team playing every other team in the group at home and away. The group stage is played between mid-September and mid-December. The teams finishing third in the groups are transferred to the UEFA cup while the top two teams from each group qualify for the next round, the knock-out round which starts in late February and ends with the final in May.

All qualifying rounds and knock-out ties are two-legged with each team hosting a match. Highest aggregate score wins but the ‘away goals’ rule applies. Extra time and penalty kicks are used, where necessary, to determine the winner. The exception is the final which is a single match.

Champions League Betting involving the home sides

English and Scottish clubs have been well represented in the qualifying round. Liverpool, in Group A are struggling a bit with FC Oporto and Marseille dominating. Their forthcoming home match against FC Oporto is a must win prior to their away day to Marseilles in December. Chelsea are sitting pretty on the top of Group B although this week’s trip to second in the table Rosenborg will be a tester. With an easier home game against Valencia in December, Chelsea are looking good for the next round.

Manchester United have qualified in Group F with only the icing on the cake to be won in their home match against Roma in December while Arsenal, in Group H have all but qualified with the mathematics entirely on their side. Doubtless a win in Seville would bring a smile to Arsene’s lips nonetheless.

Scottish fans are still biting their nails, however, and a win for Celtic against second-place Shakhtar Donetsk in this week’s home game is a must because December’s away jaunt to AC Milan looks bleak indeed. Rangers have an easier opportunity to climb to second place with an away game to bottom of the table VfB Stuttgart prior to hosting third-place Lyon at Ibrox in December.

Champions League Betting Options

Online bookmakers offer a vast range of bets for all manner of predictions in the Champions League including spread betting opportunities for those of a sound disposition. Many offer free bets for newcomers and a good scout round the offers is highly recommended.

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