Champions League Outsiders

We are down to the last 16 in the Champions League and when the tournament reconvenes in the New Year, there will be some unfamiliar names in the knockout stages.

Barcelona still head the betting at 13/8 (Boylesports) closely followed by archrivals Real Madrid at 11/4 (Paddy Power). Look further down the betting and there are seven teams at 100/1 or more. In 2004 Porto were the surprise package beating Monaco in the final; could another outsider cause a shock? We look at some potential candidates.

Benfica – 50/1 (Boylesports)
Currently joint top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga and unbeaten in eleven domestic league games. They topped their Champions League group without tasting defeat. Sound in defence and creative in attack; midfielder Nicolás Gaitán is one of the tournament’s most exciting young talents. 

Zenit St Petersburg – 125/1 (Boylesports)
Unbeaten in their last five Champions League matches, they achieved a notable draw in Porto to seal qualification. They are the current Russian league leaders, with a six-point gap over CSKA Moscow. A creditable achievement considering the influx of money into the league, with big spending teams like Anzhi Makhachkala increasing the quality of the domestic competition.

Marseille – 150/1 (Boylesports)
A stunning comeback, with two goals in the last five minutes saw them overcome Borussia Dortmund to reach the knock-out stage. Having started the season atrociously, Didier Deschamps’s team have won five of their last six league games. André Ayew has scored in each of his last three matches and could be a potent goal threat if the club keep hold of him in January.