It's now a knockout event over two-legs and although there are some intriguing ties surely all eyes will be on Barcelona and Liverpool as the past two winners of this tournament lock horns at the Nou Camp.
The bookmakers predictably make the Spaniards their short odds-on favourites not only to win this match at 4/7 but to qualify at around 4/11.
On the other hand, 2005 winners Liverpool are around 5/1 to do the unthinkable and win the first leg in Spain, but a more tempting 9/4 to see off Rijkaard's team and make it into the quarter final draw.
There has been a lot of talk in the press in the past week about the unrest within the Barcelona camp due to alleged comments by recently returned striker Samuel Eto'o. He's meant to have had run-ins with coach Frank Rijkaard and Brazilian striker Ronaldinho, so although Barcelona have a full quota of their stars back in the fray Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will be nothing but pleased with all the focus on their opponents.
All this said Barcelona are still a formidable force, especially at home, and with them currently topping La Liga they are yet to taste defeat at the Nou Camp in the league this term – P11 W9 D2.
Liverpool will though draw confidence from the fact that Chelsea topped Barca's group in the earlier stage, while The Blues recorded a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge and held them 2-2 in Spain.
In contrast Liverpool ran away with their group, and in-fact made it through to this stage with games to spare. So, with The Reds out of both domestic cup competitions and needing a major miracle to trouble Man Utd and Chelsea for the league title the Merseysiders will know that the Champions League is their last hope of silverware.
Benitez will of course be aware of this and although he'd love for them to be involved in the FA Cup last weekend it does afterall mean that his side have now had a lengthy 10 day break to prepare for this crucial match.
So, whereas Liverpool will be as fresh as daisies Barcelona faced a tough trip to Valencia in La Liga last Sunday giving them a measly two days to ready themselves.
With Liverpool's great European record, and time to focus on the game, I'm going to go against the grain and advise Rafa's men to nick a draw in this first-leg at around 11/4.
It goes without saying that Liverpool will not want to lose the tie in Spain and have to chase two or even three goals at Ainfield in a couple of weeks, so expect a tight game with goals thin on the ground.
Liverpool have also shown no fear in recent years on their travels in Europe with wins at Roma, holding Juventus 0-0 in their 2005 European winning year and also recorded the same 0-0 scoreline here at the Nou Camp back in 2001 in the UEFA Cup.
With this in mind the under 2.5 goals at around 7/10 looks a must for backers, while although as a neutral I'd love to see both the ball in the back on numerous occasions the final result of 0-0 looks far more likely to me.
Recommended bets:
3pts – Under 2.5 goals (0.74/1)
2pts – Draw (11/4)
1pt – Correct Score 0-0 (8/1)
* All prices correct at time of writing.
ABOUT EASYODDS.COM
Easyodds.com is a comprehensive sport betting service that helps you find the BEST ODDS on offer from leading bookmakers, betting exchanges and spread betting firms and then helps you place your bet at the BestPrice.
FREE to register!
www.easyodds.com
Andrew Newton
Managing Editor
020 7691 0660
