Champions League Final: Betting Options Analysed

Can Ronaldo score past legend Buffon? / Image via bleacherreport.com

Serie A champions Juventus take on La Liga title holders Real Madrid in what promises to be an epic Champions League final in Cardiff.

Bianconeri are keen to re-establish themselves as a European force after tightening their grip on domestic dominance with six consecutive titles, whereas Bianconeri are eyeing the historic chance to become first-ever side to retain the European crown.

As we count down the days, hours and minutes ahead of the showpiece event, SoccerNews.com team presents the analysis of available betting options we think will add value to those who are planning to place a wager or two on the match.

Match Winner

There is a split perception of the Champions League final winners with many people prone to believe Juventus are firm favourites to win the title.

The odds are not exactly stacked in their favour with Real Madrid available at high-value 17/10 betting odds to triumph in 90 minutes and Juventus looking at a 2/1 price at Bet365. It might be a long shot, but not an entirely unrealistic one given all the pre-match information we are keen to share with you.

It just might seem that Juventus want it more. Motivation can be a crucial factor in games like these. Real Madrid are in it to win it, but it is Juventus, who have displayed greater hunger, grit and desire to set foot in the final. The schedule worked in their favour as well. Bianconeri had more time to rest, having wrapped their domestic title much earlier than Real Madrid. It does not necessarily need to be an advantage, but Max Allegri is sure to have used the free time wisely, preparing his team well for the final hurdle.

History, on the other hand, is stacked against Real Madrid. The pressure is huge upon their chests as Los Blancos stand in front of a historic opportunity to become the first-ever tam to defend their Champions League crown. Betting odds defy history, however, as Los Blancos are available at 17/20 betting odds to lift the trophy. After 90 minutes, 120 minutes, or after penalties – regardless.

There is, however, an offer that will suit both sets of fans with both Juventus and Real Madrid available at whopping 40/1 betting odds on either side to win.

Goals

With so much to play and fight for, the preconceived notion might force us to believe that Champions League finals would be tightly-contested affairs.

Still, the most recent European finals turned out to be rather high-scoring battles. A piece of stats telling that last all of the last 13 Champions League finals have seen at least two goals might surprise those who didn’t bother to keep record. What is more, both teams have scored in ten of those matches, including the last six showpiece events.

Bet365 has set a 19/20 price on Juventus and Real Madrid both to score, which is one of the best betting offer you will find on this particular selection. Juventus’ defensive exploits offer low value to this particular bet, knowing that Max Allegri’s men are yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages of the competition however.

Bianconeri muted FC Porto in the round of Last 16 to progress smoothly to the quarter-finals, when a side as strong and attack-oriented as Barcelona was shut down, much to the amazement of the global football audience.

It would be every romantic’s dream to see Gianluigi Buffon keep his net still in the final, but on the other side we must take into account that the experienced Italian goalkeeper will be put against one of the most lethal attackers in the history of the competition.

Goal Scorers

Cristiano Ronaldo has this season become the first player to score over 100 Champions League goals, becoming the top scorer in all UEFA competitions along the way.

The Portuguese superstar is given 11/10 betting odds to net past legend Buffon, whereas it is his former teammate Gonzalo Higuain who is best priced behind Ronaldo with 7/5 betting odds to place the ball into the opposite goal.

The Saturday’s clash is the game between two sides who share a great deal of history together with many players and coaches playing and working at both sides during some point of their careers.

Another one of players who represented both sides is Alvaro Morata. The Spanish striker is priced at 8/5 betting odds to score against Bianconeri. With Gareth Bale still not fully fit, the forthcoming final might open a window of opportunity for Morata to shine through and prove his worth at the most opportune moment.

All in all, we are in for a heck of a game in Cardiff. A possibly historic night is ahead of us and we can’t wait for the match to happen.

What is your betting expertise for the final? Any suggestion to share with fellow tipsters?