UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Betting 2011
UEFA Champions League quarter-final betting 2011 is more popular than ever with most teams still left in the hat and some big results still possible. The UEFA Champions League Betting 2011 for second leg games always produces good odds across all markets.
Last Eight of the Champions League
Manchester United take on Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final with the narrowest of advantages. Manchester United lead the tie 1-0 going back to Old Trafford and look set for a semi-final match against Schalke 04 from Germany.
Chelsea will have other ideas because the Champions League is a tournament which they have never won before in the history of the club. Old Trafford is a ground where Chelsea have played well in the Premier League and they have no choice but to go for a big win.
Shakhtar Donetsk were the surprise team to make the last eight of the Champions League. They are now chasing their tails after being smashed 5-1 in their quarter-final first leg match against Barcelona. However, a side that has nothing to lose can always be dangerous.
Barcelona have been the favourites to win the Champions League 2011 since it began. They have played the best football in the competition and have seen off the likes of Arsenal easily in previous rounds. Barcelona are one of the strongest teams in the last eight of the Champions League.
Schalke 04 from Germany secured possibly the best result out of any side still left in the Champions League 2010/2011. They managed a 5-2 win away at Inter Milan which gives them a three goal cushion going into the game at the Veltins-Arena.
Inter Milan are the current holders of the Champions League title and will be determined to make up for their spineless performance in the first leg of the quarter final against Schalke. Inter will have to tighten up in defence because they cannot concede another goal and have a realistic chance of going through.
Tottenham Hotspur are a side in the last eight of the Champions League who have won a lot of support from neutral fans. Spurs are 4-0 down in their game against Real Madrid but they have shown they can play any side off the park when they play at White Hart Lane.
Real Madrid have under performed in the Champions League over the last few seasons. They are in a strong position to create a key match up against Barcelona in the semi-final stage. There is no pressure on the Spanish side as they travel to North London.
UEFA Champions League Betting 2010/2011
Barcelona have remained favourites in various Football Betting markets for much of this season. However, despite their flamboyance, there is still space and opportunity for a side to cause an upset. Each team has a set of advantages that can trump the elegant and sometimes otherworldly football that Barcelona play.
Manchester United are a tactical side with a manager in Sir Alex Ferguson who has seen and gone through it all. Chelsea are the power side in Europe with large players who can dominate any defence and pace all over the pitch. Shakhtar are virtually out of the competition and will therefore attack with everything they have making them a threat. Barcelona are the best club side in the world at present. No other team moves the ball around the pitch with such style, grace and pace.
Schalke could be the side to watch because they are the under dogs and have nothing to lose. Inter are clinging onto their title for dear life and this could easily work in their advantage. Tottenham Hotspur have had a great Champions League and have won a lot of fans for their care free way of playing. Real Madrid are a sleeping giant and Jose Mourinho has got them playing well in Europe.
Champions League Key Match Ups
The Champions League always produces key match ups that decide which sides goes on to win a game. Champions League betting is always fierce and pro-active because the best players from the best leagues in Europe are competing against each other.
One of the key match ups in the Manchester United v Chelsea game will be United central defender Nemanja Vidic against Chelsea forward Didier Drogba. Drogba is a main attacking weapon for Chelsea and is always a prominent figure in first goalscorer betting markets. Vidic is the club captain of United and will want to set the example.
The Schalke 04 v Inter Milan match is all about two players; Raul of Schalke and Samuel Eto'o of Inter. Raul is the most experienced player in the German side and may have to score to ensure his side goes through. Eto'o will lead the Inter attack in a match where they have to score three goals without conceding.
The quarter-finals of the Champions League could produce one of the biggest key match ups which may take place in the next round. El Classico, Barcelona v Real Madrid, is watched by millions around the world whether it’s in La Liga or another competition. If both sides win their quarter-final games, they will meet for a place in the Champions League final at Wembley.