Frank Lorenzo
The 2014-15 UEFA Champions League is half over. Part way through the Group Stage, we gave you updated odds on which team would hoist the trophy at the end of the season. With the Group Stage coming to a close tomorrow, it’s time for another update. (Scroll to the bottom for the full list.)
There hasn’t been a lot of movement in the odds, as the best teams in the world have all advanced to the Round of 16, as expected. But Liverpudlians can stop searching for the Reds on the list, as Liverpool was eliminated today. Three English clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man City – remain in contention. But Man City’s hopes are in serious peril and the Citizens need everything to play out just right tomorrow in order to advance.
The defending champions, Real Madrid, are 3/1 co-favorites to win the trophy. Real has played tremendously in the first stage, winning all six of their games, while scoring 16 goals and allowing just two. Madrid is looking to repeat as back to back European champions for the first time since AC Milan in 1989-90. Cristiano Ronaldo is favored to win his second Ballon d’Or in a row and third overall; despite a so-so World Cup with Portugal, he has been nearly unstoppable with Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich looks like Madrid’s biggest competition so far. Die Roten are sitting at 3/1 along with Real. Last year, Bayern lost to Real Madrid in the semi-finals and will be looking for payback if their paths cross again this year. The Bavarians play a completely different style than Real. In contrast to Real’s speedy counterattacks, Bayern is infinitely patient with the ball and stringing together dozens of passes. Though they dropped a game to Man City recently, Bayern has looked dominant most of the season.
Barcelona and Chelsea are tied for third in the odds. Barca has dropped from 9/2 to 11/2 since the last iteration. The Catalans dropped a game to group leaders PSG earlier in the season and may only finish second in Group F as a result. But you can never count out a team that has Lionel Messi up front.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has cruised through Group G, posting three wins and a draw and securing top spot in the group before the final fixtures tomorrow. They have been equally impressive in the BPL, sitting three points clear of Man City at the top of the table (and going undefeated in their first 14 BPL matches).
Here is a look at all of the odds for the teams that remain in contention.
Odds to win the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League:
- Real Madrid: 3/1
- Bayern Munich: 3/1
- Barcelona: 11/2
- Chelsea: 11/2
- Paris Saint Germain: 14/1
- Atletico Madrid: 16/1
- Borussia Dortmund: 25/1
- Manchester City: 25/1
- Arsenal: 28/1
- Juventus: 33/1
- Porto: 50/1
- AS Roma: 66/1
- Bayer Leverkusen: 80/1
- AS Monaco: 100/1
- Shakhtar Donetsk: 100/1
- Basel: 150/1
- Schalke 04: 250/1
- Sporting Lisbon: 250/1
- CSKA Moscow: 500/1
