UEFA

UEFA Champions League futures bets: Betfair has Manchester City as favorites, defending champs Real Madrid 9/1

Real Madrid was placed into a relatively easy Group F Thursday when the balls were drawn for the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League Group Stage, while Group A and Group C look to be brutal for some team

When the dust settled on the UEFA Champions League 2022-23 Group Stage draw Thursday, there were some big name teams that came away thinking they have a good shot to top their group: Real Madrid, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, and PSG all are heavy (-200 or more) favorites to win their group and advance to the Round of 16 draw.

Then, there are the teams in Group A and C, as well as Group B

While Liverpool is -500 to win Group A (and second favorites to win the title after a loss in the final to Real Madrid), they have looked terrible to start their campaign, and Ajax, Napoli, and Rangers must be relishing a chance to have a go at the the English runners-up.

Group C has Bayern Munich (third choice to win the title), new look Barcelona (which still might not be able to register all its players), and Inter, asa well as Plzen.

Group B is wide open, with Atletico Madrid the current betting favorite over Porto, Bayer Leverkusen, and Club Brugge.

This tournament has been dominated by big name clubs in the past two decades, and that looks to be the same this year, although minnows Manchester City (zero European Cups) once again have the best odds BEFORE the tournament begins to win its first title. The Cityzens are two years removed from a loss to Chelsea in the final, and despite leading their semifinal tie 3-1 in the 90th minute of the second leg last season, failed to reach another final after they were stunned by Real Madrid.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Man City are the 5/2 favorites to win a first ever Champions League trophy following Thursday’s group stage draw. PSG follow behind at 5/1, while Liverpool are 11/2. Tottenham have been the second-most backed team to win the Champions League on Betfair, and they are 14/1 to go all the way.”

Betfair: Champions League winner 2022/23

Man City: 5/2

PSG: 5/1

Liverpool: 11/2

Bayern Munich: 13/2

Real Madrid: 9/1

Tottenham: 14/1

Chelsea: 16/1

Barcelona: 18/1

Atletico Madrid: 25/1

Celtic: 250/1

Rangers: 250/1