With the last of the first knockout round ties having now taken place, the chances of the 16 teams left in the competition can be reviewed and an assessment made of the prospects of each team progressing further in the competition.
Is it too early to make any predictions about who will be going to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on the 22 May for the final? The results so far certainly give some time to reflect. Chelsea look a good bet – especially after they managed to beat Inter Milan at the San Siro and now only have to hold Inter at Stamford Bridge on the 16th March to go through. Actually Barcelona (3/1) and Chelsea (9/2) look to be the bookies favourites to win the competition this year. But could it be that one of the long shots will battle their way through to the final two? Or even win?
Of the first leg games that were played, it was the clash between Inter Milan and Chelsea that generated the most interest for all sorts of reasons. First there was the fact that these two major forces in Europe had never actually met in the Champions League. Of course there was the rivalry between current Inter Milan and former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti who is now at the helm at Chelsea and who until recently was the manager of AC Milan, the arch-rivals of Inter Milan. Inter Milan’s 2-1 victory means that there is all to play for in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have Salomon Kalou to thank for getting them a vital away goal that could prove invaluable. They will also be relieved that Petr Cech is not as badly injured as was first thought. The odds on Inter Milan winning are 11/1.
Elsewhere, CSKA Moscow and Sevilla drew 1-1 in Russia. The only other game that has ended on level terms was Stuttgart versus Barcelona. Many expected Barcelona to win but they had to settle for a one all draw – it should be a different story when they play the second leg at the Nou Camp though.
Of the other sides in the last 16, Bordeaux have given themselves a great chance of progressing with a one
goal win over Olympiacos in Greece. Of all teams remaining in the competition it is Olympiacos who are the
rank outsiders.
Online betting sites
are quoting odds of 200/1 against them winning. Real Madrid look to have a tough task after losing 1-0 to Lyon at the Stade de Gerland. Failing to score an away goal could have serious consequences for Real yet they are still quoted at 6/1 to win the Cup.
Manchester United look very strong candidates to go through to the next round after their away win against AC Milan. Two goals from Rooney and one from Scholes have put the Red Devils in a really strong position. In betting circles there is a lot of support for them winning the Champions league outright and odds of 11/2 are being quoted.
In Portugal FC Porto were the victors against Arsenal after goalkeeping blunders by Fabianski led to both of Porto’s goals. A goal from Sol Campbell has given the Gunners a lifeline when Porto make the trip to London for the second leg. Punters may like to take note of the fact that, despite their deserved win over Arsenal, they are 50/1 outsiders. A good long shot perhaps?
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Champions League – How Things are Shaping Up in the Knockout Phase 