This Saturday afternoon, soccer enthusiasts worldwide will eagerly tune in to witness the grand finale of the Champions League. Real Madrid and Liverpool, two exceptional teams, shall grace the pitch, vying for the coveted title of Europe’s finest.
The Champs League, apart from the World Cup, is widely regarded as the most prestigious soccer tournament held annually. For those who follow the sport casually, it can be likened to the Super Bowl of soccer. Madrid and Liverpool emerged victorious against all other elite European soccer teams to secure their places in the final.
As per usual, individuals placing bets can enhance the thrill of this match by making a modest wager at West Virginia sportsbooks. The available online choices indicate that Liverpool is slightly favored to win the game.
Now, let’s examine how both teams made it to the Stade de France for the final and explore some of the betting options available.
Champions League Final odds at WV sportsbooks
In terms of betting options, soccer matches offer a higher level of complexity compared to most other sports. At present, Liverpool is favored to emerge as the winner according to DraftKings WV Sportsbook.
The game offers odds of +110 for taking it to win, while Real Madrid has odds of +245. The draw is available at odds of +260.
In this market, the outcome is determined after 90 minutes. However, this means that you may choose the correct team but still lose the bet since the match’s result is only finalized after regulation time.
Sportsbooks offer additional, simpler markets due to the potential inclusion of extra time and penalties.
These team predictions are shared by DraftKings in their Team Futures section. You have the option to choose the team that will be crowned the champion, with Liverpool having odds of -175 and Madrid’s odds being +140.
Naturally, it is more beneficial to place bets on the higher odds. However, these closely contested matches often extend beyond regular playing time. The most recent occurrence of such was in 2016 when Real faced Atletico Madrid. In the past two seasons, the matches have been closely fought, resulting in 1-0 finishes for both teams.
Liverpool easily advanced to the final by smoothly defeating Inter in the first round of the knockout stage, achieving an aggregate score of 2-1.
After defeating Benfica with a score of 6-4, Liverpool advanced to the semifinals. In the second leg, Liverpool initially held a 2-0 lead but conceded two goals in the first half to Villarreal, resulting in a tie. However, in an impressive comeback, the Reds scored three goals within 12 minutes in the second half, securing a 5-2 advantage overall.
Liverpool is making their return to the Champions League Final after their victorious match against Tottenham in 2019. With six titles under their belt, they join the elite group of teams with at least five trophies. However, Real Madrid reigns supreme with an impressive 13 titles.
Additional Champs League betting markets
Madrid’s chances of clinching their 14th title this year seemed slim. However, they defied the odds by overcoming a first-leg deficit against PSG and securing a victory. Furthermore, they relied on a crucial header from Karim Benzema during extra time to halt Chelsea’s comeback.
Madrid’s previous accomplishments were overshadowed by their incredible feat in the last round against Manchester City. Despite trailing 5-3 in the 90th minute, Madrid managed to score three goals and miraculously advance to the final.
In one of the most thrilling conclusions ever witnessed, Benzema’s penalty kick in the 95th minute secured a sensational 6-5 victory, effectively sealing the deal.
Madrid is now back in a final for the first time since 2018, amusingly against the same opponent. Benzema, once again, played a pivotal role in that game by scoring the first goal and giving his team the advantage. Madrid ultimately emerged victorious with a 3-1 win.
In addition to wagering on the winning team, WV sportsbooks offer a wide array of options to choose from.
One of the preferred options is to choose the player who will successfully score a goal. Similar to NFL games and touchdown bets, soccer matches offer the opportunity to place bets on the first goal scorer, last goal scorer, or even a player who will score at any time during the game.
It comes as no surprise that Benzema is the top choice to score the first goal. He holds odds of +350 at DraftKings, which is the same as Liverpool’s Mo Salah. Both players have equal chances, with odds of +125, to score against the goalkeeper at any given moment throughout the match.
In addition, the online sportsbook offers a wide range of options. Bettors have the opportunity to engage in player parlays, explore different card props, game props such as winning margin, and numerous other exciting features.
One of the specials offered by DraftKings is called Déjà Vu, which allows you to place a bet with +700 odds on Benzema scoring in the second half and Madrid winning the entire game.