in Soccer Betting Trends

Soccer is the sport that unites fans worldwide, and the Champions League unites the world in its common passion for the sport; that is, the Champions League transcends national boundaries, as players from all corners of the world compete at the highest level for the common pride of the club whose jersey they don, united in the quest for one of the most coveted prizes of all in club soccer—the UEFA Champions Cup. And for soccer betting fans, the opportunity to wager on some of the best club soccer action is simply too good to ignore.

The Champions League, which comprises of three qualifying rounds, a group stage, and four knockout rounds, enters into the first knockout round action on February 19, 2008, with the last 16 teams still alive in the tournament vying to keep their campaign alive. From now until the semifinals, the clubs play two matches against each other on a home and away basis, with the club scoring the greater aggregate of goals qualifying for the next round. (If a club is tied in goals, the team, which scores the most away goals, qualifies.)

Seven-time Champions League holders and defending champions, AC Milan are one of the 16 teams still alive in the competition and only three rounds away from the UEFA Champions final in Moscow. One of the favourites to lift the UEFA Champions Cup in Moscow on 21 May, AC Milan last seized back-to-back European Champions Clubs’ Cup in 1989-90. However, before AC Milan can edge towards an eighth cup, they must top a tough team in Arsenal, who reached the final for the first time ever in 2006.

Neighbouring Inter Milan will kick-off their knockout round against five-time holders Liverpool on February 19, 2008. FC Internazionale Milano will not be daunted though they face a mammoth of a task against Liverpool, England’s most successful club in UEFA competition history.

AS Roma has the overwhelming task of overcoming the competitions most successful club, nine-time holders Real Madrid CF and four-time runner-up finishers. However, despite their impressive record, the last time Real Madrid CF won was in 2001/02. The following year they reached the semifinals and the quarterfinals the year after that. In the last three years they were knocked out in the R16 (2004/05, 05/06, and 06/07). Real Madrid legacy will be again tested in the R16, for them the hope is that recent history will not repeat itself and they will not face early elimination.

In other knockout round action, two-time holders FC Barcelona will meet a young and untried squad in Celtic FC ,in Glasgow, in their opening knockout round match; Olympique Lyonnais will attempt to halt Manchester United FC’s run; and UEFA Cup holders Seville FC will vie to extend their maiden European Cup campaign by defying fellow debutantes Fenerbahce SK in Istanbul on Tuesday. The only Bundesliga club alive in the R16 is FC Schalke 04, who face the sole Portuguese club FC Porto and Greece’s Olympiacos CFP draw Chelsea FC in their knockout round match.

With so much thrilling Champions League soccer action shaping up for next week, check out the Championship League Soccer Odds already in full swing at BetUS Sportsbook. Matches start on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Here are a few Marquee Matchups: Soccer Betting Lines

Liverpool PK -140 +130 Over 2 -125 Inter Milan PK +120 +200 Under 2 +105

Olympique Lyonnais PK +115 +175 Over 2 -130 Manchester United PK -135 +145 Under 2 +110

AS Roma PK -115 +155 Over 2½ EV Real Madrid PK -105 +165 Under 2½ -120

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.