How to Bet on the Champions League: Tips & Markets

UCL: How does it Work?

Qualifying Rounds

The Champions League qualifying rounds begin in the summer, long before the main competition gets underway. This sees all of the lower-ranked teams battle it out for a place in the group stages of the competition that follow. This can lead to some surprise entries into the contest, and is always worth keeping an eye on.

Group Stages

This is where the main competition begins. There are 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, and each team in the group faces the other twice, once at home and once away. Those with the most points and in the top places on the table will eventually decide who will be progressing to the knockout rounds. Odds can fluctuate throughout these stages based on surprise results, injuries, and form.

Knockout Rounds

The knockout rounds include the Round of 16, Quarter-Finals, and Semi-Finals. These see teams play two-legged ties, battling it out for a place to play on the ultimate football stage, the Champions League final. These high-stakes games are known for disrupting the betting markets and are a great time for bettors to get involved.

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Popular Champions League Betting Markets

Past Champions League Winners

• 2024 - Paris Saint-Germain

• 2023 - Real Madrid

• 2022 - Manchester City

• 2021 - Real Madrid

• 2020 - Chelsea

• 2019 - Bayern Munich

• 2018 - Liverpool

• 2017 - Real Madrid

• 2016 - Real Madrid

• 2015 - Real Madrid

Tips for betting on the Champions League

• Research: Be sure to do your research into the sides involved in each stage of the competition. See if they have been involved before and how far they have progressed. Also, look for any head-to-heads, previous meetings and appearances in these stages, goals scored, experienced players, and more.

• Value Bets: Be sure to check for potential value bets at bookmakers. If odds may be mispriced, doing your research can come in handy.

• Keep up to date with team news: Be sure to remain up to date with any injuries, changes, transfers, suspensions, bookings, and any other news surrounding the teams involved in the competitions.

• Manage your bankroll: To effectively manage your bankroll when betting on the Champions League, keep your spending under control and bet wisely. Place smaller but more frequent bets, and look out for any offers and promotions that may be available.

Key UCL 2025/26 Dates

Group Stages

• 16th September 2025 - 28th January 2026

Round of 16 

• 10th March 2026 - 18th March 2026

Quarter-Finals

• 7th April 2026 - 15th April 2026

Semi-Finals

• 28th April 2026 - 6th May 2026

Final

• 30th May 2026

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