A clear difference can be seen this year with the UEFA Champions League and perhaps any other soccer event in history. Liverpool did the impossible in the semifinals. Following a 3-0 first leg loss to Barcelona they were written off for dead. But in the second leg Liverpool stunned the UEFA Champions League betting odds with a spectacular 4-0 second leg triumph to make the Final. Meanwhile Tottenham Hotspur lost the first leg of their semifinal at home to Ajax 1-0. Yet in the second leg at Ajax they prevailed 3-2 to win on the aggregate of away goals.
A Stunning Reversal at Ajax
Ajax was expected to post perhaps the biggest UEFA Champions League Betting Odds win in franchise history on their home pitch. Fashion that they took a 2-0 lead in the second leg to lead 3-0 by aggregate. And then the roof caved in as Lucas Moura ruined everyone’s party with a hat trick for Tottenham Hotspur. To rub salt into the wounds of Ajax backers Moura scored the tying goal on the final kick of the game. In view of the comeback it was one of the most shocking in the history of professional soccer.
Anfield Inspires Liverpool
It follows that Liverpool and Barcelona took part in a sportsbook match that was even more insane and improbable. Entering Anfield down 3-0 in aggregate to Barcelona, Liverpool demonstrated the heart of a champion not seen perhaps ever at such a level and challenge. Stand-in forward Divock Origi scored two goals as did halftime sub Georginio Wijnaldum. As a result, manager Jurgen Klopp is being heralded for his tactics and genius in pulling off the miracle. Liverpool believed that they had a chance due to Anfield and their fans.
Barcelona’s Ernesto Valverde Faces Fire
Ironically Barcelona was the last team to rally from three goals down in a first leg semifinal in 1986. Manager Ernesto Valverde faced an onslaught of criticism after his team’s epic collapse. Newspapers called it the “biggest embarrassment in club history.” Consider that Valverde has had a record of strong domestic success with back to back league titles. But he is facing calls for his head due to failures on the Champions League stage. Valverde confirmed that he spoke to the team board after the catastrophe and claims to have their backing.
Champions League Final Opening Betting Odds
Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain will host the UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday, June 1. Now Liverpool opened as the favorite for their Champions League Final update against Tottenham. Liverpool has a price of – ½ (-104) with a money line of +104. By contrast Tottenham opened at + ½ (-111) with a money line of +293. The over under is 2.5 (-104 over) and (-111 under). Draw has a price of +249.
Will Kane Return?
Tottenham Hotspur fans are holding their breath at the possibility of England’s 2018 World Cup hero Harry Kane returning for the final. Although Kane has been ruled out for the season it is believed that he could return. More emphatically Kane would provide a strong UEFA Champions League Betting Odds advantage to the Spurs if he can come back. More emphatically as good as Tottenham Hotspur has been without Kane, he brings an element of weaponry nobody else offers.