19th Apr 2012 | Football
Chelsea Edge Barcelona
Chelsea are 2/1 (Skybet) to reach the Champions League final after a 1-0 victory over Barcelona.
After his team lost the first leg 1-0, Pep Guardiola claimed Chelsea were now the favourites to reach the final and that, “It’s 50-50 for both teams to go through.” A slight contradiction, but we can forgive the Barcelona coach for not understanding the art of bookmaking.
People supposedly in the know when it comes to setting odds actually disagree with Guardiola. Barcelona are 4/9 (Paddy Power) favourites to reach the final; Chelsea are 2/1 with Skybet.
Roberto Di Matteo’s men were the big movers in the outright market. They are now a best price 13/2 (Bet365) to lift the trophy in Munich next month, having been 12/1 prior to the first leg.
Qualification for next year’s Champions League tournament is still in the balance for Chelsea. The betting suggests they have a better chance of finishing in the top-4 of the Premier League, 7/4 with Bet365, rather than returning as winners of the competition.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:21 19th Apr, 2012 but subject to change
