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 Matchday 6 Recap: Drama, Dominance, and Decisive Results
Matchday 6 of the Champions League delivered on all fronts. From thrilling comebacks to commanding wins, the games on December 10-11, 2024, were packed with action.
As teams fought for valuable points in the Champions League standings, fans witnessed moments that reminded us why this competition is the pinnacle of European football.
With the next round of fixtures set for January 21-22, 2025, BetUS invites you to stay engaged with Champions League betting odds for the upcoming battles.
Dominant Wins and Hard-Fought Draws
The action started on December 10, where Bayern Munich continued their ruthless streak with a resounding 5-1 victory over Shakhtar.
This result further cements Bayern’s status as one of the most formidable sides in the competition, leaving bettors eager to explore football odds Champions League markets ahead of their next game.
On the same day, Leverkusen stunned Inter Milan with a jaw-dropping 5-0 win, showing their sharp attacking edge and leaving Inter fans reeling.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa edged past Leipzig in a nail-biting 3-2 thriller, while Real Madrid showcased their resilience with a 3-2 victory over Atalanta.
Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb and Celtic played out a tense 0-0 draw, underlining the unpredictability of Champions League matches.
Whether it’s dominant wins or hard-fought draws, every result reshapes the Champions League standings and keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Key Highlights from December 11 Games
The following day brought its share of standout moments. Stuttgart delivered a statement performance with a commanding 5-1 win over Young Boys, while Atletico Madrid secured a confident 3-1 victory against Bratislava.
Juventus took down Manchester City 2-0, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes Champions League fixtures.
Arsenal impressed with a 3-0 win over Monaco, continuing their strong run in the competition. Similarly, Barcelona edged out Dortmund 3-2 in a pulsating encounter that left fans breathless.
Champions League betting odds for these teams are sure to draw attention as the knockout rounds approach.
On the other hand, Benfica and Bologna played out a goalless draw, showing how tight these contests can be.
The unpredictability of Champions League games makes them a favorite for bettors looking for value in betting Champions League markets.
What’s Next in the Champions League?
As the dust settles on Matchday 6, all eyes turn to January 21-22, 2025, when Matchday 7 kicks off. With teams jostling for position in the Champions League standings, every point matters.
This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Champions League betting odds and prepare for another round of unforgettable action.
BetUS is here to make your experience seamless and engaging. With our fast, secure, and mobile-friendly platform, you can stay ahead of the game and bet Champions League lines with confidence.
Don’t just watch the drama unfold—be a part of it.
From thrilling wins to tactical masterclasses, Matchday 6 proved why the Champions League is unmatched in excitement and unpredictability.
The new Champions League format keeps every game crucial, making it a bettor’s paradise.
Don’t miss your chance to dive into the action with BetUS as we gear up for the next chapter of this incredible tournament.
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.
