6th Jun 2015 | Champions League
Champions League Final: First Goalscorer Tip
Barcelona's goal getter in chief in the latter stages of this competition has not been Messi. Neymar scored 6 times during the quarter and semi-finals.
StanJames are offering money back as a free bet on losing first goalscorer wagers if Messi, Neymar or Suarez break the deadlock in Berlin. There are 120 reasons why we should take advantage; that’s how many goals Barca’s front three have scored this season.
Of the trio, the most money will inevitably head in the direction of Lionel Messi (7/2 StanJames) who has found the net 58 times in 2014-15. Suarez (9/2) was on unstoppable form during the spring but after four goalless outings he may have gone temporarily cold.
But the best bet in this market may actually be Neymar at 4/1. When we look at how his Champions League campaign compares to Messi’s, there’s an interesting trend.
Champions League Goals in 2014-15:
Messi: 10
During group stage: 8
During knockout phase: 2
Neymar: 9
During group stages: 3
During knockout phase: 6
What we can see is that when the tournament has reached its crucial stage, the goals have come more often from the Brazilian.
The reasons for this can be debated. Perhaps the best teams have done a better job of shackling Messi but in doing so have neglected Neymar? It doesn’t really matter for this bet. If the trend continues then the 38-goal striker may prove the superior option.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:17 6th Jun, 2015 but subject to change
