After a deep analysis inspired by Florentino Perez’s conspiracy called the Super League, UEFA made many changes to the Champions League format. In addition to renewing the brand, the entity did it with two simple goals: more and better Champions League matches.
As expected, that strongly impacts all Champions League betting enthusiasts, but fear not because we have you covered.
The New Era of UCL Betting
To bet Champions League, it is crucial to understand the product. Forget everything you know about the continental tournament and open your mind because it seems Jigsaw created the new format.
First things first, no more groups. Now, the 36 teams, four more than the days of yore, are together under the same umbrella. That intends to replicate the format pretty much all European domestic leagues use, but there’s one huge difference: the continental competition still includes knockout rounds, which we could call playoffs.
Buckle up because here comes the tricky part. The best eight teams advance to the Round of 16, while teams 9-24 collide in a two-leg playoff to determine the other eight. Finally, teams 25-36 are eliminated from all competitions. That’s right; there will be no more consolation prizes, also known as the UEFA Europa League.
All knockout series include two games, from the Round of 16 to the Semifinals, while the Grand Finale is a do-or-die matchup.
The total matches increased from 125 to 189, meaning you have more chances to place your Champions League bets.
How to Bet on the Champions League?
That’s a simpler answer because the soccer betting process and the Champions League odds format haven’t changed. However, it’s always a good time to revisit the basics.
At BetUS Sportsbook, you can bet on every UCL game regardless of time, location, or level of importance. That includes the qualifying rounds. For this explanation, I’m taking a real matchup from the 2024-25 season: Paris Saint Germain vs Atletico Madrid.
According to the Champions League betting odds, PSG is heavily favored at -190, while Atletico Madrid is the underdog at +497. First, you can bet on any team to win straight up, called the moneyline. In this case, if you would like to bet on PSG, you would have to bet $197 to have the chance of winning $100. On the other hand, you would have to bet $100 on Atletico Madrid to win $497.
With the moneyline, it’s all about the Champions League results; nothing else matters.
You can also place a bet on the handicap. In this case, PSG is -1 (Ev), which means the Parisians must win by at least two goals to win the bet. Why? Because if the game finishes 2-1, that -1 would turn the result into a 1-1 draw.
There’s also the chance of betting on the game total and each team’s total. The game total is set at three goals, which means both teams would have to combine for more than three goals for the game total to go over. PSG winning 3-1, a 2-2 draw, Atletico Madrid pulling off the surprise 4-0 — all those results would result in the game total going over. On the other hand, a 1-1 draw, PSG winning 2-0, would make the game total go under.
As for the team’s total, if you take Atletico Madrid over ½ (-194), you only need Atletico Madrid to score one goal. It doesn’t matter if the Spanish side loses 10-1; you will still win the bet.
Finally, if you like to spice things up, you can also find plenty of props to bet on, from any-time goalscorer to the number of corner kicks in the game. And that’s per match! This means the chances for a solid betting Champions League parlay are infinite!
Take it Minute-by-Minute
The new UCL includes 189 matches in total. That’s a lot! We understand you don’t always have the time to check every preview, especially when it’s a match like Crvena Zvezda vs. Young Boys. Still, you don’t have to worry because our BetUS’ quick updates and easy-to-read odds allow you to jump in whenever possible!
You’ll need to be quite sharp because the betting lines are updated with every play. You must be quick not to miss a great opportunity! The biggest advantage is that one way or another, you get more accurate odds based on the development of the match.
Finally, keep in mind that, when in the schedule, Champions League action takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In other words, if you are a betting enthusiast, it’s a great option between Monday and Thursday Night Football.
If you want to mark it on your calendar, the 2024-25 season Grand Finale is scheduled for May 31st.
Champions League Outrights
Just as you can take it game by game, play by play, you can also place a long-term bet, also known in this case as Champions League outrights. For example, you could bet right now on which team will win the Champions League title.
The odds are based on each team’s performance and can change after every fixture, but once you place a bet, you are locked in. For example, if you take Real Madrid to win the title at +500, it doesn’t matter if Los Blancos are -250 by the semifinals. Your +500 bet stands until the end.
Besides the winner, you can also take a shot at which teams will reach the final, which team will finish at the bottom, and which player will win the Golden Boot. In other words, you can have a blast before and during the season!
What Team is Most Likely to Win the Champions League?
Well, it is always extremely important to check the soccer news before placing your bets and the odds on Champions League. However, it is important to understand that UCL form doesn’t always mirror domestic league performance.
I’ll never forget the 2001-02 Real Madrid, a team that won the UCL despite finishing third in Spain La Liga thanks to a mediocre 19-9-10 record. That being said, certain powerhouses are always at the top of the list.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan. You will always find those squads among the favorites to win the continental title. One of those teams won it in 11 of the last 12 editions.
However, anything can happen in a tournament that includes knockout stages: one bad game and poof! You don’t have to take it from me, but how about one of the best coaches in the world, Pep Guardiola? This is what he said after winning Manchester City’s first UCL:
“I am tired, relaxed. Satisfied. This f****** trophy is so hard to win.”
Why is it so hard to win it? Because only the best teams get to compete for it. And even among the best teams in the world, there are underdogs, like Borussia Dortmund, one of the 2023-24 finalists.
Once again, let’s take the soccer odds for the 2024-25 season as an example. The powerhouses above go from +330 to +900, while an underdog like Borussia Dortmund is +4000. If you take Borussia Dortmund with a $100 bet, you can win $4000.
According to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, the other goal of the new format is to give underdogs a better chance. It is working because Lille defeated Real Madrid, and Sporting Lisbon crushed Manchester City, to name a few surprises that will never get old.
If there’s a tournament in which huge surprises are possible, that’s the Champions League. However, the last time a team out of the top five leagues (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France) won the title was in the 2003-04 season.
Champions League Last 10 Winners
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Manchester City (England)
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Chelsea (England)
- Bayern Munich (Germany)
- Liverpool (England)
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Barcelona (Spain)
Champions League Odds for Matchday 06: Highlights for Tuesday and Wednesday on BetUS
Matchday 06 of the Champions League, set for December 10th to December 11th, 2024, is packed with crucial matchups that will determine the fates of several teams. With the Champions League odds on the line, bettors will have plenty of opportunities to wager on some of the most exciting games of the group stages. Let’s dive into the key matchups and betting highlights for this action-packed week.
High-Stakes Showdowns and Betting Opportunities
The game between Girona vs Liverpool (December 10th) promises to be a thrilling contest, as Girona looks to recover from a tough 1-0 loss to Graz. Liverpool, fresh off a solid 2-0 win over Real Madrid, enters as the favorite, but Girona will want to cause an upset. Champions League odds favor Liverpool, but Girona’s resilience could make for an intriguing match. Similarly, Dinamo Zagreb vs Celtic (December 10th) offers a compelling matchup. Zagreb comes off a 3-0 loss to Dortmund, while Celtic earned a 1-1 draw with Brugge. Betting on EPL for these teams will be exciting, with both clubs striving to improve their position.
Shakhtar vs Bayern (December 10th) will be another standout fixture. Shakhtar’s 3-2 loss to Eindhoven leaves them needing points, while Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win over PSG has them looking stronger than ever. Bayern odds will likely make them the favorites, but Shakhtar’s attacking style could pose a challenge. The game between Club Brugge vs Sporting Lisbon (December 10th) will see Brugge aiming to recover after a 1-1 draw with Celtic, while Sporting Lisbon comes off a tough 5-1 loss to Arsenal. Expect tight Champions League odds on this one, with both teams looking for redemption.
More Thrilling Action Awaits
The Brest vs Eindhoven clash (December 10th) will see both teams come into the match after disappointing results. Brest lost 3-0 to Barcelona, while Eindhoven managed a dramatic 3-2 win over Shakhtar. The Champions League betting markets for this game are expected to favor Eindhoven slightly, but Brest will be eager to turn things around. Atalanta vs Real Madrid (December 10th) is another key matchup. Atalanta’s dominant 6-1 win over Young Boys puts them in a strong position, while Real Madrid is coming off a 2-0 loss to Liverpool, creating an exciting dynamic for EPL betting fans.
In other matchups, Leipzig vs Aston Villa (December 10th), Leverkusen vs Inter Milan (December 10th), and Salzburg vs PSG (December 10th) all promise to offer thrilling soccer betting action. With PSG odds slightly down after their loss to Bayern Munich, Salzburg will look to capitalize. At the same time, Leverkusen’s 5-0 victory over Salzburg puts them in a favorable position against Inter Milan.
Top Champions League Matchups to Bet On
- Atalanta vs. Real Madrid odds
Why it’s interesting: Real Madrid, with their rich history of success in the Champions League, will be tested by Atalanta’s impressive form this season. While Real Madrid enters as the favorite, Atalanta’s attacking play and recent performances make them a potential upset threat. This clash promises plenty of action and offers great betting opportunities, especially for those looking at the Champions League odds for match outcomes.
- Arsenal vs. Monaco
Why it’s interesting: Arsenal has been strong in the Champions League this season, continuing their excellent form, while Monaco, known for their history of success, will look to challenge the Gunners. With both teams eager to claim top spots, this match could be full of intensity. Whether you’re betting on the Champions League odds for match outcomes or total goals, this game presents exciting opportunities.
- Juventus vs. Manchester City
Why it’s interesting: A battle between two strong teams with contrasting playing styles. Manchester City’s possession-based game will face off against Juventus’ disciplined defensive setup and counter-attacking threat. Both teams are in great form, making this an intriguing matchup to bet on. Whether you’re looking at soccer odds for total goals or individual player performances, this game offers a lot of betting potential.
Now, it’s time to place your Champions League bets. Log in to your account to explore a wide range of betting options and bet responsibly with BetUS. You can also enjoy exclusive bonuses and promotions for loyal customers.
