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: Elite Battles Across Europe
Tuesday’s High-Stakes Encounters
The UEFA Champions League resumes with pivotal fixtures on Tuesday, January 21. Juventus, buoyed by their recent 2-0 triumph over Manchester City, travels to face Club Brugge, who enter the match with momentum after their 2-1 victory against Sporting CP.
The Italian side receives a significant boost with Dusan Vlahovic’s return from muscle injury, though his match fitness remains under assessment.
Stuttgart aims to build on their impressive 5-1 demolition of Young Boys as they clash with Bratislava, who seek to bounce back from their 3-1 setback against Atletico Madrid.
The midfield battle promises to be crucial as Stuttgart adapts to their injury concerns while Bratislava pursues redemption.
In a compelling matchup, Borussia Dortmund visits Bologna following their narrow 3-2 defeat to Barcelona.
The German side faces significant personnel challenges with defender Soumaila Coulibaly sidelined due to a groin injury and striker Karim Adeyemi recovering from illness.
Bologna enters the contest with confidence after their defensive masterclass against Benfica.
Wednesday’s Premier Showdowns
January 22 brings more captivating fixtures, headlined by Real Madrid’s battle against Red Bull Salzburg. Madrid, riding high after their dramatic 3-2 victory over Atalanta, faces a Salzburg team determined to rebound from their 3-0 loss to PSG.
The Austrian side’s defense strengthens with Kamil Piatkowski’s return from a hamstring injury, expected back on January 18. Madrid continues to adapt their defensive strategy without Eder Militao, whose cruciate ligament injury has ended his season.
Arsenal hosts Dinamo Zagreb with growing momentum after their commanding 3-0 win against Monaco. Despite missing key players Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu through injury, the Gunners’ attack remains formidable with the exceptional form of Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard. Zagreb seeks improvement following their draw with Celtic.
The spotlight turns to Rotterdam as Feyenoord welcomes Bayern Munich in a clash of attacking titans. Feyenoord’s offensive prowess, demonstrated in their recent 4-2 victory over Sparta Praha, meets Bayern’s overwhelming firepower, fresh from their 5-1 demolition of Shakhtar.
Bayern’s squad grows stronger with Josip Stanisic and Joao Palhinha returning from hamstring and muscle injuries respectively, both cleared for the January 22 fixture.
Key Injuries and Squad Updates
Injury developments continue to shape team strategies across the tournament. Barcelona receives a defensive boost with Andreas Christensen’s recovery from a muscle issue, timing his return for January 18 ahead of their Benfica encounter.
Lille’s attacking options expand with Ethan Mbappe’s return from a thigh injury, just in time for their January 21 fixture.
Atalanta must navigate without Juan Cuadrado (hamstring) until January 18 as they prepare for their upcoming challenge.
Bayern Munich’s depth increases as Hiroki Ito and Gabriel Vidovic rejoin the squad after their injury layoffs.
PSV Eindhoven‘s squad strengthens with Couhaib Driouech and Adamo Nagalo scheduled to return by January 18, providing crucial reinforcements for the Dutch side’s campaign.
Your Champions League Betting Hub: BetUS
At BetUS, we offer fast, secure, and mobile-friendly access to all the Champions League action. Whether you’re betting on the most anticipated games or tracking underdog redemption stories, our platform ensures a seamless experience.
Don’t miss out—place your bets for Champions League Matchday 7 today and enjoy the thrill of Europe’s elite competition! 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.
