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Champions League Draw Special: Introducing the last eight - who are your favourites?
Large spread as six countries represent last eight in Europe's big one
| Bet: | Returns: | Girondins de Bordeaux £25.50 | Draw £29.50 | Olympique Lyonnais £29.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Girondins de Bordeaux £26.20 | Draw £32.00 | Olympique Lyonnais £27.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Girondins de Bordeaux £24.00 | Draw £30.00 | Olympique Lyonnais £30.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Girondins de Bordeaux £25.00 | Draw £32.00 | Olympique Lyonnais £28.80 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Girondins de Bordeaux £24.50 | Draw £30.00 | Olympique Lyonnais £28.00 |
|
19 Mar 2010 10:20:00
By Sulmaan Ahmad
The Champions League tide is turning, and even though Premier League clubs might not be finding it quite as easy, the added entertainment value is without question.
Early season favourites from England and viewed widely as Barcelona's biggest challengers were Chelsea, and they are out. Another of the favourites, final-hosts Real Madrid, also made their exit early in the first knockout round (as is becoming their tradition).
On top of that, we go back to the end of 2009 to recall the exits of 1985 finalists and two of Europe's most historically successful clubs, Liverpool and Juventus.
In contrast to these failures have come the successes of Lyon and Bordeaux in a French renaissance, in addition to CSKA Moscow's magnificent run, Inter finally showing signs of offering their domestic form for the continent's viewing pleasure and Bayern streakily scraping their way back into Europe's elite.
Comparatively, the remaining three are usual suspects: last year's finalists Manchester United, their conquerers and holders Barcelona, plus Arsenal - a young side not often regarded as genuine favourites to lift the trophy, but with one of the best track records for consistently high finishes over the last few years.
For once, without a hint of cliche, it can be said that this is one of the most wide-open Champions League run-ins in recent memory. With the quarter-finals draw taking place later today, which will map out each team's potential road to the Bernabeu, how do these elite eight match up against each other before they're all put head-to-head?
8. Bordeaux
Odds say: seventh favourites at 20/1.
A superb yet understated run though they have had, Laurent Blanc's men present the least cutting edge or X-factor usually required of any winner.
7. CSKA Moscow
Odds say: eighth favourites at 33/1.
Player for player, probably the weakest squad left in the competition, but will have fitness on their side, as their season has just begun and their home games present an arduous journey for their opponents.
6. Bayern Munich
Odds say: fifth favourites at 15/1.
Germany's biggest club have luck on their side following the Fiorentina triumph, and in Arjen Robben have one of the world's most scintillating and in-form players; but there is fragility within the team unit.
5. Lyon
Odds say: sixth favourites at 12/1.
Perennial underdogs back in the last eight for the first time in a while. Good all-round strength and both Liverpool and Madrid scalps already collected is enough to edge them ahead of the more established Bayern.
4. Arsenal
Odds say: fourth favourites at 13/2.
Show that attack is their best form of defence and certainly have what it takes to dominate proceedings against most teams left in the draw, but the more experienced teams remain their most likely downfall.
3. Manchester United
Odds say: second favourites at 7/2.
Finalists and winners in the last two years, full of fire-power even without Cristiano Ronaldo, but with a team set-up that does seem to revolve around the form and fitness of Wayne Rooney and a defence which, when not at full-strength, is uncharacteristically susceptible.
2. Barcelona
Odds say: favourites at 15/8.
The holders, and certainly the most impressive team to behold in the world. The biggest question-mark over them is that for one reason or another, the holders just never end up retaining the trophy.
1. Inter
Odds say: third favourites at 4/1.
Omens are with Jose Mourinho, and his side's motivation to go all the way will be unparalleled. They were outclassed by Barcelona in the group stage, but showed the best big-game pedigree of all sides in the first knockout round against Chelsea, have the strongest defence, a squad with depth and big-game goalscorers.
Verdict
It's very open, and by no means is there a runaway favourite, even though Barcelona's style when in top gear does justifiably put them top with the bookies. But if history has taught us anything, it's that miracles rarely occur in succession and Barca are already finding that an imperfect season is already - and harshly - being considered failure next to last season's treble.
Looking beyond them, Inter have shown their big-game pedrigree - and crucially, against high-calibre Premier League opposition - so while Man United rightfully claim second spot with the bookies following their mauling of Inter's city neighbours Milan, the challenge Mourinho's men overcame was far greater.
It's a risky call - so many teams could consider themselves potential winners - but from day one, this Champions League has had the makings of one that wouldn't have quite the ending anybody really expected.
Odds supplied by Titanbet. A comprehensive list of football betting markets can be found on the Titanbet website.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
The Champions League tide is turning, and even though Premier League clubs might not be finding it quite as easy, the added entertainment value is without question.
Early season favourites from England and viewed widely as Barcelona's biggest challengers were Chelsea, and they are out. Another of the favourites, final-hosts Real Madrid, also made their exit early in the first knockout round (as is becoming their tradition).
On top of that, we go back to the end of 2009 to recall the exits of 1985 finalists and two of Europe's most historically successful clubs, Liverpool and Juventus.
In contrast to these failures have come the successes of Lyon and Bordeaux in a French renaissance, in addition to CSKA Moscow's magnificent run, Inter finally showing signs of offering their domestic form for the continent's viewing pleasure and Bayern streakily scraping their way back into Europe's elite.
Comparatively, the remaining three are usual suspects: last year's finalists Manchester United, their conquerers and holders Barcelona, plus Arsenal - a young side not often regarded as genuine favourites to lift the trophy, but with one of the best track records for consistently high finishes over the last few years.
For once, without a hint of cliche, it can be said that this is one of the most wide-open Champions League run-ins in recent memory. With the quarter-finals draw taking place later today, which will map out each team's potential road to the Bernabeu, how do these elite eight match up against each other before they're all put head-to-head?
8. Bordeaux
Odds say: seventh favourites at 20/1.
A superb yet understated run though they have had, Laurent Blanc's men present the least cutting edge or X-factor usually required of any winner.
7. CSKA Moscow
Odds say: eighth favourites at 33/1.
Player for player, probably the weakest squad left in the competition, but will have fitness on their side, as their season has just begun and their home games present an arduous journey for their opponents.
6. Bayern Munich
Odds say: fifth favourites at 15/1.
Germany's biggest club have luck on their side following the Fiorentina triumph, and in Arjen Robben have one of the world's most scintillating and in-form players; but there is fragility within the team unit.
5. Lyon
Odds say: sixth favourites at 12/1.
Perennial underdogs back in the last eight for the first time in a while. Good all-round strength and both Liverpool and Madrid scalps already collected is enough to edge them ahead of the more established Bayern.
4. Arsenal
Odds say: fourth favourites at 13/2.
Show that attack is their best form of defence and certainly have what it takes to dominate proceedings against most teams left in the draw, but the more experienced teams remain their most likely downfall.
3. Manchester United
Odds say: second favourites at 7/2.
Finalists and winners in the last two years, full of fire-power even without Cristiano Ronaldo, but with a team set-up that does seem to revolve around the form and fitness of Wayne Rooney and a defence which, when not at full-strength, is uncharacteristically susceptible.
2. Barcelona
Odds say: favourites at 15/8.
The holders, and certainly the most impressive team to behold in the world. The biggest question-mark over them is that for one reason or another, the holders just never end up retaining the trophy.
1. Inter
Odds say: third favourites at 4/1.
Omens are with Jose Mourinho, and his side's motivation to go all the way will be unparalleled. They were outclassed by Barcelona in the group stage, but showed the best big-game pedigree of all sides in the first knockout round against Chelsea, have the strongest defence, a squad with depth and big-game goalscorers.
Verdict
It's very open, and by no means is there a runaway favourite, even though Barcelona's style when in top gear does justifiably put them top with the bookies. But if history has taught us anything, it's that miracles rarely occur in succession and Barca are already finding that an imperfect season is already - and harshly - being considered failure next to last season's treble.
Looking beyond them, Inter have shown their big-game pedrigree - and crucially, against high-calibre Premier League opposition - so while Man United rightfully claim second spot with the bookies following their mauling of Inter's city neighbours Milan, the challenge Mourinho's men overcame was far greater.
It's a risky call - so many teams could consider themselves potential winners - but from day one, this Champions League has had the makings of one that wouldn't have quite the ending anybody really expected.
Odds supplied by Titanbet. A comprehensive list of football betting markets can be found on the Titanbet website.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
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Arsenal thrashed by AC Milan, Zenit beat Benfica - Follow the Champions League LIVE!
With Alex Fisher
Arsenal fall to their heaviest defeat in Europe on a miserable night in Milan for Arsene Wenger's side. Join Goal.com as we cover tonight's huge games on the continent.
Get in touch on Twitter via @GoalUK
Arsenal fall to their heaviest defeat in Europe on a miserable night in Milan for Arsene Wenger's side. Join Goal.com as we cover tonight's huge games on the continent.
Get in touch on Twitter via @GoalUK
15/02/2012
So that's all from me tonight, thanks for joining me for what was quite a memorable evening in the Champions League.
15/02/2012
We've heard from all the big players from tonight's games as Milan and Zenit record first leg victories.
For Milan progression to next round seems inevitable after they thumped Arsenal 4-0 at the San Siro.
However things are very different for Zenith, and despite their win you may actually make Benfica favourites given they scored two away goals in Russia.
For Milan progression to next round seems inevitable after they thumped Arsenal 4-0 at the San Siro.
However things are very different for Zenith, and despite their win you may actually make Benfica favourites given they scored two away goals in Russia.
15/02/2012
All this focus on the Arsenal and Milan game should not take away from another cracker earlier tonight between Zenit and Benfica. The Russians came from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the closing minutes before Oscar Cardozo levelled things for Benfica, but it wasn't over there as Roman Shirokov won the game for Zenit in the 88th minute.
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus who felt his side deserved a point from the game
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus who felt his side deserved a point from the game
15/02/2012
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny bemoaned his side's luck tonight but refused to give up. Here's some of his quotes, the full story is here.
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
15/02/2012
I'm just watching the highlights of the game and some of Arsenal's defending really was shocking. It really makes you wonder why Wenger didn't bolster the defence in January.
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