Champions League Action - Who was hot and who was not

Handicapping soccer – or any sport for that matter – is no mean task. This week in sports betting at BetUS Sportsbook, Champions League action was front and centre in the soccer betting market and after all the excitement we witnessed, having in mind that the prestigious European completion is entering the final stage of Group action a fortnight from now, each point was crucial for most clubs.

Looking at the results in Tuesday night’s action (for Group E to H) is enough to get the picture as in these sections all the R16 berths were snagged. With the landscape for the Champions League knockout stage determined, I thought it was only fair to determine how my soccer picks for BetUS sports bettors did in the market. Here is a quick overview of some of the match results in this group, complete with a rundown of my soccer betting verdicts and the winning and losing (alas a mere few were) soccer picks.

Group E: Villarreal 0-0 Man. United

Soccer Betting Pick: I suggested a home win for Villarreal had value at +195 on the money line but objectively, I strongly felt the draw at +165 would be the most likely outcome, as both clubs needed only the point to secure advancement. The low price tag on the draw evinced the notion. I also suggested the Under 2 goals even would be the best value on the over/under odds.

Match Overview: Though the match ended in a scoreless draw the scoreline belies a game not lacking in attacking intention. Cristiano Ronaldo put forward some scintillating attacks and came close to breaking the deadlock. Villarreal had their moments as well.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Overall, this was a winning play for sports bettors.

Group E: AaB 2-1 Celtic

Soccer Betting Pick: I suggested an away win at +135 as I felt Celtic Glasgow would finally break the 10-match-away-losing streak they have been mired in forever it seems. Also as the battle in this match was for third place and a UEFA Cup berth the Over 2.5 -105 bet appeared to be the best pick as both sides would play for the win.

Match Overview: Celtic Glasgow took the lead in the 53rd minute when midfielder Barry Robson headed a goal. And just as everything seemed to be going in Celtic’s way, two dubious goals (in the 73rd and 87th minute) ended Celtic’s hopes. The first goal took a deflection off Stephen McManus and the second goal was an own goal, as a Glen Loovens clearance bounced back in to his own net off Gary Caldwell.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Had it not been for bad luck really, both picks would have been winners. As it stands, the Over 2.5 goals -105 play was the only winner.

Group F: Bayern 3-0 Steaua

Soccer Betting Pick: This matchup was straightforward, Bayern Munchen was well on their way to the knockout round and Steaua was simply out of contention. A home win for the Bundesliga side at -350 was the sure play, even though it did not have loads of value for sports bettors. The Over 2.5 goals -140 was the second pick.

Match Overview: Looking at the scoreline it is clear Bayern put forward a consummate performance at the Futball Arena Munchen. Miroslav Klose contributed two goals and Luca Toni added another for good measure.