Up to Soccer Betting Trends

posted April 8, 2008 at 19:13 in Soccer Betting Trends

At the start of the quarterfinal round, the sports betting community agreed, Barcelona was favored to see-off a Schalke 04 in the side that reached the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in 50 years. After winning the first leg in Germany 1:0, Barcelona’s sportsbook odds have improved significantly – tipped at a whopping price tag of -3000 favourite odds (BetUS Soccer Futures) Barcelona’s place in the semi-finals would appear to be an almost certainty. So as the Spaniards prepare to welcome the Germans on home turf at Campu Nou in the second leg of their matchup, check out the soccer odds at BetUS and bet on the Champions League quarterfinals.

BetUS Soccer Future Odds:

Schalke 04 to Qualify for Semifinals +1000

Barcelona to Qualify for Semifinals -3000

Championship League semi-finals would be a great success for either side. For the German’s, success in European competition would compensate for every missed opportunity on the domestic front, meanwhile, for the Spaniards emerging as the semi-finalists would give the fans something to cheer about – something they haven’t had the opportunity to do much of lately. With odds at -3000 for the Spaniards and +1000 for the Germans, it would appear to be a no-brainer.

Soccer Betting Line: FC Barcelona vs. Schalke 04

Campu Nou, Barcelona

02:45 PM Eastern Time, Wednesday April 9, 2008

Team: FC Barcelona

Spread: -1 -130

Moneyline: -250

Team Points: Over 2½ +110

Draw: +300

Analysis: In the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup, Barcelona walked off with the 1:0 victory in Germany – a huge advantage as Spanish side prepares to play at home in the second leg.

Team: FC Schalke 04

Spread: +1 +110

Moneyline: +750

Team Points: Under 2½ -130

Draw +300

Analysis: After losing in the first leg on home turf, the German side enters the second leg with a huge disadvantage. Although they completely outplayed the Spaniards in the first leg, Barcelona won.

Betting Verdict: I expect both sides to be cautious at the start. But the German’s have nothing to lose (that they haven’t already) so they will have to take the initiative. If they outplay the Spaniards once again, they may pull through with a shock upset. The most important factor that will keep their spirits up in this match is if the German’s score first. If the Spaniards get an early goal, the German’s fate would all but sealed.

Soccer Free Picks: As the visitors are in a desperate situation, I expect they will get off to a flying start and try to impose their game and style, and try to dictate the pace of the match. The home side will have no reason to rush forward. However, both sides will be tentative. German’s must score.

Future Free Picks: Barcelona -3000

Money Line Pick: Barcelona -250

Over/Under: Under 2.5 goals

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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.