Spain’s recent Champions League dominance could be about to end, if the betting odds are any indication. Spanish teams have won the last five Champions Leagues, with Real Madrid winning four and Barcelona one.
On the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Barcelona are the outright favourites to win the tournament. But with Liverpool and Tottenham both representing the Premier League in the last four, England is more likely than Spain to be the winning nationality.
The semi-finals kick off Tuesday with the first leg between Tottenham and tournament surprise packet Ajax Amsterdam at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The following day, Barcelona will play Liverpool at the Nou Camp in the first leg of their blockbuster semi.
English Clubs Most Likely in Tight Champions League Odds
Ahead of the semi-finals, Barcelona lead the Champions League free betting odds. Boyle Sports is paying 6/4 for Barca to become champions of Europe for a sixth time. Liverpool is paying 5/2 and Tottenham and Ajax both 4/1.
Although Barca are the outright Champions League favourites, the two English clubs are likelier overall to hoist the trophy. Bet365 has opened a market on “nationality of winner”. It is paying 11/10 for one of the English clubs to win the 2018-19 Champions League, followed by Spain 6/4 and the Netherlands 4/1.
According to bet365, the likeliest finals matchup is Barcelona v Tottenham or Barcelona v Ajax, which is paying 21/10. Next is Liverpool v Tottenham or Liverpool v Ajax, which is paying 10/3.
Barcelona Favoured to Beat Liverpool in Semi-Final
Essentially, what the bookies are saying with all these odds is that Barcelona is the favourite to beat Liverpool, but the winner of that semi-final will start a hot favourite in the Champions League final. Therefore, the semi-final to watch is undoubtedly the one between Barcelona and Liverpool starting Wednesday at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona are an 8/11 favourite to win the first leg, with Liverpool a 10/3 outsider and a draw paying 3/1. Barcelona are the 7/10 favourite to qualify, ahead of Liverpool, who are paying 21/20. Obviously, a draw would be a fantastic result for Liverpool and would put them in pole position heading into the second leg at Anfield.
Tottenham v Ajax Amsterdam Too Close to Call
The bookies have struggled to separate Tottenham from Ajax, with the two clubs both paying 4/1 for the win at Boyle Sports. However, bet365 has Ajax slightly ahead overall, with the Dutch side paying 7/10 to qualify while the English side is paying 21/20. Ajax’s odds have been inflated perhaps by the fact they became the first team ever this year to win at Juventus and Real Madrid in the same season.
Mauricio Pochettini has said his ambition is to win the Premier League and Champions League with Spurs. He won’t win the Premier League this year, but he is on the brink of Champs League success. Spurs will go into the first leg at their beautiful new home ground as a slight favourite. bet365 is paying 11/8 for Spurs to win and 15/8 for an Ajax victory. A draw is paying 12/5.
Three Teams Have History of European Success, One Doesn’t
A Spurs Champions League win would certainly be something new, given they’ve never even made the final. Liverpool and Barcelona have both been champions of Europe five times and finished runner-up three times, while Ajax has been winner four times and runner-up twice. We can’t wait to find out which of these four teams becomes the next champion of European football.
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