Champions League: Betting Update

With the group stage completed and the final 16 from the original 76 raring to go, the Champions League is set to hot up as it moves into the knockout rounds commencing February 13th.

It’s the competition’s 21st season as the UEFA Champions League, so there’s bound to be some exciting European football action and lots of opportunities to use the fantastic Champions League betting offers that the bookies are currently giving away.

Chelsea went out of the competition during the group stage, but there are still plenty of great teams remaining, and plenty of ways to use bookies free bet offers on the tournament.

So, who’s in the running to be crowned the new champions of Europe, and which teams should you place your money on when using the betting offers that bookies give away?

Champions League Favourites

Despite Chelsea’s early shower, most of the usual suspects remain. Manchester United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are all still contenders, and obviously worthy of a free bet or two.

It’s very unlikely that Celtic will win their game against Juventus, and Galatasaray will have to work very hard to beat Shakhtar Donetsk. But if you fancy using a Champions League betting offer on a long shot that offers great earning potential, then either one might be the team for you.

There’s no doubt that the most eagerly anticipated matchup of the opening knockout round is the very evenly matched Real Madrid v Manchester United. Both had their sights set on becoming the Champions League champions, now only one of them can reach the final eight.

Which will it be, The Red Devils or Los Blancos?

Champions League Free Bets

Either way, it's a great opportunity to use bookies free bets to try and predict the winner of what will be a fantastic game. Madrid are led by former United star Ronaldo who's scored six in six Champions League appearances and equal top scorer alongside Galatasaray's Yilmaz.

Barcelona’s Messi, with 5 goals, is also up there on the goal score table and is surely worth a punt with a free bet on the Champions League top scorer market. Messi, and the rest of the Barcelona squad, will take on Milan and should easily win.

The unstoppable Argentinean has shattered the record for most goals in a calendar year and shows no signs of slowing up any time soon. With Messi on board, favourites Barcelona, at 15/8, is a real contender to take home the trophy in 2013 and definitely worth a bet.

Of the rest – Bayern, who just missed out on last season’s Champions League trophy, look a much better bet than Arsenal. Borussia Dortmund should easily beat Shakhtar Donetsk.

David Beckham joined PSG who also have Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his 19 goals between Ligue 1 and the Champions League, should wipe the floor with Valencia. Only the game between Porto and Malaga looks likely to be a close run thing and not worth risking a free bet on.

Most online bookies have Real Madrid at 9/2, United at 12/1, and German teams Bayern and Dortmund - at 7/1, and outsiders, Celtic and Galatasaray, incredibly long shots at 150/1. So there’s plenty to weigh up when using Champions League free bets.

The actual Champions League final takes place at Wembley on May 25th in recognition of the150th anniversary of the English Football Association. With so much to play for and so many football betting opportunities why not use a free bet to get in on some European action!